November 22, 1944 – June 15, 2025
Otto Mackensen “Mac” Thornhill, Jr., passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at his home in Friendswood, Texas, at the age of 80.
Mac was born on November 22, 1944, to Otto and Catherine Thornhill in Gainesville, Georgia. As a young man, he developed a love of sports—playing basketball, baseball, and football—and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors through his time as a Boy Scout. He learned the value of hard work early in life, working alongside his father, Otto Mackensen Thornhill, Sr. at City Ice Company.
After graduating from Gainesville High School in 1962, Mac followed in his father’s footsteps going to Texas A&M University, where he joined the Corps of Cadets and studied engineering. It was there that he formed lifelong friendships—and met the love of his life, Diana.
Mac graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology and married Diana Louise on August 30, 1967, just before leaving for the U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate School. From 1968 to 1970, Mac served as a Lieutenant and Communications Officer aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Hollister, stationed in San Diego.
In 1972, Mac and Diana returned to Texas and settled in Friendswood to raise their family. Mac worked for U.S. Homes before founding Total Inspections in 1979. In 1983, he and Diana expanded their business to include Total Pest Management, a company that remains a part of his legacy today.
Mac and Diana would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this coming August. He was a proud father of three and grandfather of seven.
A devout Catholic, Mac was a member of Mary Queen Catholic Church, the Men’s Council, and the Knights of Columbus. He was also active in the community as a member of the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce since its founding, the Friendswood Rotary Club, and the American Legion.
Mac loved coaching his children’s softball, baseball, and basketball teams, and was happiest on the sideline of a basketball court or in the third base coach’s box. He was an avid golfer, a skilled woodworker, loved to hunt, and a proud, passionate supporter of his Fighting Texas Aggies. He considered one of his greatest accomplishments that all three of his children not only graduated from college, but all hold advanced degrees. He and Diana shared a love of travel and adventure. Known for his quick wit, generosity, and kind heart, Mac will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Otto Mackensen Thornhill, Sr. and Catherine “Katy” Barbara Thornhill; his father and mother-in-law, Glenn and Mary Lou Dugger; and son-in-law Derek Dean Broderson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diana Louise Thornhill; his children, Mary Catherine Whitlock, Theresa Leslie Broderson, and Christopher Mackensen Thornhill; his sister Barbara “Babs” Louise Olejnik and brother-in-law Bernard “Bernie” Olejnik; his son-in-law, Thomas Wayne Whitlock; his daughter-in-law, Emily McVeagh Thornhill; and his cherished grandchildren: Ashley Brooke Whitlock, Cassidy Blake Whitlock, Haylie Ruth Catherine Whitlock, Jack Mackensen Broderson, Caroline McVeagh Thornhill, Avery Mara Broderson, Catherine Louise Thornhill, and Henry Mackensen Thornhill. Along with a multitude of sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Jeter Funeral Home in Friendswood, Texas.
A Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held at Mary Queen Catholic Church, 606 Cedarwood Dr., Friendswood, Texas, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Rosary will begin at 1:00 P.M., and mass will begin at 1:30 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Reveille Club, and The Houston VA Hospital. Instead of mourning colors, please in honor of Mac wear maroon and white, or your own college colors.
