Robert Thornes, Sr

Mr. Robert W. Thornes Sr., 74, well known Parksley businessman, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025, at his residence in Parksley. Born on July 24, 1951, in Nassawadox and raised in Clam, he was the son of Edward Thornes and Juanita Annis Thornes. He attended school in Parksley and married the former Vickie Lynn Scott from Deep Creek in 1969, a union which blessed them with four children. “Big Bob” as he was locally known had a lifelong talent with engines, from motorcycles and go carts to mud trucks and race cars. In the 1970s, he was a force to be reckoned with on the dirt track at the Tasley Fairgrounds, where he was a fierce competitor and no stranger to victory lane. Whether it was stock cars, mud trucks, or demolition derby beaters, his vehicles were always a threat to win. After working as a mechanic for several years, he took those talents a step further in 1985 as he and Vickie purchased his stepdad Paul Gladding's service station and went into business as “Bob's Texaco” in Parksley, offering AAA service, towing, gasoline and repairs. “Big Bob” proved to be a shrewd businessman and once he made his mind up on an issue, that issue was done and over with. He and Vickie ran this busy shop and successful business together until her untimely passing in 2023. Over the years the shop was the gathering spot of local legends, where problems were solved, stories told, yarns spun, and children and grandchildren raised. It wasn't unusual to see Bob or Vic or both of them sitting on the old school bus seat by the front door on a warm day, waving at passing traffic and friends. “Big Bob” loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren, as he would take them through parades on the rollback or ride them endlessly around the yard on the tractor or in one of his antique vehicles– Pop was a devoted husband and a giving father, grandfather and great grandfather who loved all his family deeply.

“Big Bob” is survived by his children, Latasha “Tash” Thornes of Greenbush, Robert “Lil' Bob” Thornes Jr. (Michelle) of Onancock, Amy Thornes of Locustville and Paul E. Thornes (Ashley) of Justisville; siblings Johnny Thornes Sr (Toni), Woodrow “Woody” Thornes, and Janet Hoover (Bruce) ; grandchildren Travis Thornes, Olivia Thornes, Taylor Thornes, Jacob Thornes and Hannah Byrd; Scarlett Thornes; Caitlyn Amadeo, Jordan Amadeo (Sarah), Rhiannon Amadeo, and Paige Treadwell (Brennan); and great grandchildren Marleigh and Lily Justis, Kristopher, Matthew, Emerson and Teagan Treadwell, and Jordan Robert Amadeo Jr., (arriving March 2026). He was predeceased by his loving wife, Vickie Scott Thornes and brother Cecil Thornes.

Funeral services for the family will be private.

In lieu of flowers, and in light of Bob's love of his bulldogs and outdoor cats, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA Eastern Shore Inc., P.O. Box 164 Onley Va. 23418

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. Doughtyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.