Hall of Fame

Florida State Horseshoe Pitchers Assn., Inc.

Charlie Thornsburg

2007

Born: October 4, 1939 in Sharkey, Kentucky

3 Son’s, Eddie, Bill, and Scott

Mr. Thornsburg retired from Westinghouse and the elevator industry in 1988. He joined the Moose Lodge in 1990 and became heavily involved in promoting competition horseshoes.

In 1991 Mr. Thornsburg ran a weekly open tournament at the Suwannee River Moose Lodge, promoted and held horseshoe tournaments between Lodges in his district.

In 1996 he put in considerable personal effort and was instrumental in organizing the Suwannee River Horseshoe Club, building twelve sanctioned courts on Moose Lodge property in Fanning Springs, Florida and getting the club officially approved to hold sanctioned tournaments. Charlie has been the tournament director of the Suwannee River Horseshoe Club since inception.

When the club had to move because problems arose with the Moose Lodge about non members on Moose property, Mr. Thornsburg made a personal decision to locate the club on his personal property. In 2002 he spent $2,500.00 of his own money to remove trees, bring in fill dirt, and build 12 sanctioned courts with full walkways and fencing on his personal property. He also furnishes the refrigerator and electricity for beverages and food for the club and for sanctioned tournaments. He provides electric hookup for vans and campers free of charge.

He organizes yard sells to raise funds and along with club money helps members with expenses, up to $150.00 each, to go to the annual Summer Fun tournament in South Carolina and some FSHPA State closed tournaments.

He started and runs a walking doubles tournament on Thursday night at the four day Summer Fun Tournament in August at Newberry South Carolina. He is already getting entries and it fills up early. A Big Hit! He started and runs 50/50 drawing at the Summer Fun tournament in South Carolina. In 2006 the 50/50 drawings amounted to approximately $1000.00, with $500.00 going to the tournament prize fund.

He actively recruits new FSHPA/NHPA members and works with Junior’s at his club resulting in producing three Junior State Champions, including the current Boys and Girls Junior Champions.

Hosted and ran the annual Florida Bermuda Moose Association Horseshoe Tournament. He was responsible for getting approval to allow 30 foot pitchers to enter the tournament, a major achievement.

In 1999 he received the FSHPA Outstanding Member Award.

Charlie has been unwavering in his time, hard work and own finances in support of horseshoes. These are the kind of actions needed to keep our sport alive. Charlie’s dedication as an organizer makes him well deserving of this honor.