Thornie Talley was born on June 23, 1933, in El Dorado, Arkansas to the late Thornie and Sudie Talley.  Talley departed this life on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at the age of 89 while at Christiana Hospital in Christiana, DE, surrounded by loved ones.

Talley lived with his grandmother in Arkansas until 1942, then he relocated to Bridgeton NJ.  Talley was educated in the Bridgeton School System in Bridgeton, NJ.  During his early years, Talley enjoyed boxing, skating at the local skating rink, listening to music, and dancing.

Talley's first job was with the Al Samuel Furniture Store in Bridgeton, NJ.  He worked there for seven years.  He then  decided to work in construction.  He worked for Local 199 in Delaware for 14 years.  He then transferred to Local 222 in Camden, NJ.  His most memorable jobs were building the Delaware Memorial Bridge, working at the Salem Nuclear Power Plant, and the Chambers Works Coal Generating Plant in Carneys Point, NJ.  Talley retired from construction in 1995 after 42 years of service.

Talley was a devoted member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Salem, where he served as a Trustee, Usher, and a Custodian. He was always available and willing to assist the various  Ministries in the Church.

Talley's favorite pastime was watching old western movies and the Dallas Cowboys.  Talley collected Dallas Cowboys memorabilia and he never missed a game.  His favorite player was Emmitt Smith.  Talley's fondest memory was his 80 ^th birthday party surrounded by family, loved ones and friends who were near and dear to his heart.

Talley was preceded by his father and mother Thornie and Sudie Talley, sister Margie Smith (Jimmy), sons Glen Talley (Debbie), Gary Talley, grandson James Edward Gross IV, and special friend Butch Sumiel.  Talley leaves to cherish his wife of 52 years, Mary C. Talley of Salem, NJ; stepsons, James E. Gross III, Ricky Gross (Elvira), Jerry Gross, Dennis Gross; stepdaughters, Georgette Gross-Ambush (Donny), Debora A. Johnson (John) and Cindy Sellers; grandchildren, Siobhan Thomas, Devin Williams, Jovan Gross, Tamara Gross, Edward William Baytops III, Tieshia Johnson, Derrick Gross, Faron Knight; 10 great-grand children; niece, Janet Williams (Michael); nephews, Jeffrey Smith, Jamie Smith and a host of cousins, friends and special friend Mike Simpson.