Garrison "SuperShark" Thornhill

Garrison Gerome Thornhill, 75, of Lynchburg, Virginia passed away on March 18, 2026. He was the son of the late Velma D. Thornhill Mitchell and the stepson of the late Robert Mitchell.

Garrison grew up in Lynchburg and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1970. He also attended E.C. Glass night school and CVCC. He started working during high school and was employed by SW café, Allen Morice Signs Co., and West Cleaning Co. He retired from Griffin Pipe after 36 years of service and Centra Health after 18 years of service. He served on the board of directors for Griffin Pipe Credit Union and was a long-time member of Central Virginia Vans Unlimited.

He found great joy in spending time with family and friends, driving his cars, and listening to and dancing to his favorite music. His presence brought warmth, laughter, and happiness to those who knew him.

He was united in marriage to his wife, Gayle E. Thornhill, for 47 years. In addition to his wife, he leaves to cherish his memory his loving children: Mandell Z. Thornhill, Debra E. Thornhill, Aaron D. Freeman, and Alonzo D. Freeman. He was a proud grandfather to Victoria A. Freeman, Riana M. Freeman, Aguila M. Freeman, Anlya J. Freeman, and Alonzo D. Freeman Jr., siblings: Robert Kendrick, Bernard Mitchell (sister-in-law Brenda Mitchell), Rev. Hazel Scott, Verna Berry, Carl Mitchell, as well as a host of nieces, nephews whom loved him dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Rudolph and Ella Thornhill, sister, Karen Thornhill Sheppard (brother-in-law Arthur Sheppard) and Rev. Willie C. Mitchell, uncle, Sherman Lynn Thornhill, and a host of aunts and uncles.

A celebration of Garrison's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is serving the family.