LYNCHBURG (WSLS 10) - The city of Lynchburg is mourning the loss of its first African-American mayor. M.W. Thornhill Jr. has died.
He served on Lynchburg City Council from 1976 to 1992. In 1990, Thornhill was elected mayor. He was known as a civil rights activist who fought for equality and voting rights.
Recommended Videos
M.W. Thornhill, Jr. "Teedy" was the owner and president of Community Funeral Home in Lynchburg. According to the business website, Thornhill ran the funeral home with his family including his son, M.W. Thornhill, III "Butch" and his granddaughter, Chonda L. Thornhill.
Thornhill was 95 years old.