A Life of Faith. A Lasting Legacy.

Today, our Landmark family grieves the passing of Coach Bill Thorn. We give thanks to God for his life, his faithfulness, and the generations of lives touched through his leadership.

Nearly four decades ago, the Lord placed a vision on Coach Thorn’s heart—a vision for a school where young people could grow in knowledge, develop their gifts, and learn to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

Coach Thorn responded with faith and action. Alongside fellow founders Perry Duncan and Eddie Waggoner, praying families, and willing volunteers, he helped bring that vision to life. In 1989, Landmark Christian School opened its doors to 170 students. From those humble beginnings grew a school whose influence reaches across generations and around the world.

God used Coach Thorn’s gifts as a coach and leader to establish something with lasting purpose. His dedication helped lay a foundation upon which countless teachers, coaches, parents, and students have continued to build. Those of us who have had the privilege of serving at Landmark are part of the continuing story of that vision.

His athletic accomplishments were extraordinary. Dozens of state championships, national Coach of the Year honors, and recognition in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame bear witness to a remarkable career. Behind those accomplishments were years of showing up, investing in young people, and challenging them to develop the abilities God had given them.

The lessons he taught reached far beyond a practice field or a finish line. Perseverance through difficulty. Discipline when the work was demanding. Commitment to something greater than oneself. These lessons helped prepare his athletes for the responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities of life.

Through Landmark, the vision God entrusted to Coach Thorn continues to bear fruit. Students have gone on to serve Jesus Christ through ministry, medicine, education, business, the arts, missions, and the daily work of loving their neighbors. His influence continues through the people they serve, the families they raise, and the faith they share.

Today, we remember that this lasting work began with people willing to pray, trust God, and take the next step. Coach Thorn’s life encourages us to do the same—to offer our gifts to the Lord and trust Him with what they may become.

We lift his family and all who loved him before the Lord, asking for comfort, strength, and the assurance of His presence. We grieve together, holding to the hope we have in Jesus Christ and giving thanks for the privilege of knowing Coach Thorn.

Coach, thank you for believing that Landmark could exist and for giving so much of your life to help make it possible. Thank you for every student you challenged, every life you encouraged, and every example of perseverance you gave us.

We will miss you. We will remember you with love and gratitude. And we will carry forward the work you helped begin.

Landmark Christian School remains an enduring part of your legacy—a vision answered with obedience, a community built through faith, and generations continuing to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

We thank God for you, Coach Thorn.