George William Thorogood, III

George William Thorogood III died peacefully at home in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 30, 2026. He was surrounded by family and covered in peace and love.

Will was born on January 26, 1970, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to George William Thorogood Jr. and Peggy Jo Bernard. He was baptized at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church by his grandfather, the Reverend Hal Gordon Bernard. He grew up attending Broad Street United Methodist Church, where he especially loved Vacation Bible School and MYF. The lessons he learned there stayed with him throughout his life: he believed deeply in kindness and compassion, and in peace and justice for others.

Growing up in Cleveland, Will attended neighborhood schools and formed friendships that would last a lifetime. Among them was the famously close group of childhood friends known as “the 11.” Their enduring friendship was one of the great constants of his life.

Will had an adventurous spirit and a profound love of the outdoors. During his years as a ski guide in Colorado and a rafting guide on the Ocoee River, he did more than pursue the things he loved—he invited others into the experience. Sharing his passions was part of his joy.

That same generous spirit made him a natural at the Ryman Auditorium. Will was immensely proud to be part of the Ryman family and found particular happiness guiding tours. A gifted storyteller who never met a stranger, he could make history come alive while making visitors feel instantly at home. He loved being inside the “Mother Church,” surrounded by its stories, its people, and the live music that meant so much to him.

Will loved music of every kind and traveled far and wide to experience it. For him, the joy was never only in the performance. It was in the journey, the gathering of friends, the new people he met along the way, and the chance to discover the beauty of the country through music and travel. Wherever he went, strangers quickly became friends—and many remained his friends for life.

At the center of Will’s world was the family he shared with his wife, Gretchen Charles Perkins; his stepdaughter, Peggy McLallen; his grandson, Addison Duncan; and his granddaughter, Ruthie Duncan. He took boundless joy in being Grandpa Willie to Addison and Ruthie. Will called himself and his grandchildren the “Wayfaring Wagscalions,” an unstoppable force through their many adventures together.

Will and Addison shared an extraordinary bond. They spent countless hours at the ballpark watching the Nashville Sounds, took long drives with music playing, and made music of their own on the mandolin, the piano, or just about anything they could get their hands on that made a sound. Addison and Ruthie absolutely adored their Grandpa Willie, and he adored them in return. The love and adventure shared by the Wayfaring Wagscalions will remain part of them always.

Will’s brother, Jo Bernard Thorogood of Cleveland, held a singular place in his life. They were brothers in the fullest sense of the word. They survived and experienced so much together, sharing a history that belonged only to them and an understanding that no one else could fully possess.

Their cousins, Mimi Sherman Walker and Jolie Anderton Walker of Atlanta, were also among the most important people in Will and Jo’s lives. They became far more than cousins: they were caregivers, protectors, and constants whose love helped shape the brothers’ lives. The significance of what they gave Will and Jo cannot be measured simply in years or named by an ordinary family title.

Will is also remembered with love by his father, George William Thorogood Jr.; his sister, Carrie Wells Law and her husband, Bucky, of Birmingham; his brother, Robert Wells and his wife, Donnis, of Cleveland; the lifelong friends of “the 11”; and his Ryman Auditorium family, who will miss him dearly and celebrate him always.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Jo Bernard; his stepmother, Charlotte; his paternal grandparents, George William Thorogood Sr. and Floydaline Thorogood; his maternal grandparents, the Reverend Hal Gordon Bernard and Ella Jayne Bernard; his beloved aunt, Martha Bernard; and his dear friend, Brad Sink. His family takes comfort in imagining the joyful reunion between Will and Brad.

Will moved through the world with curiosity, warmth, humor, and an open heart. He told a good story, welcomed everyone, loved wholeheartedly, and made friendship look effortless. His was a life of adventure and togetherness—and he leaves behind people in many places who are grateful that, somewhere along the way, Will made them part of his story.

Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 320 Broad St. NW, Cleveland, TN 37311.

Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

A memorial service will be held in Nashville, TN at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of: Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37209.  (615) 857-9955.  We are proud to be locally owned and operated.