Richard L. Thornton

Richard Lee Thornton passed away peacefully on Friday, May 11, 2012 at Specialty Hospital in Columbus, GA.

Mr. Thornton was born in Huntington, WV on July 1, 1944 and grew up in Memphis, TN, Detroit, MI and Decatur, GA. Following graduation from Gordon High School, he served in the U.S. Navy. Richard began working for Sears in 1974 and retired after 30 years of service.

He had a great sense of humor and a gift for making friends with everyone he met. Richard loved his family, especially playing with his grandchildren. He loved the great outdoors and his passions included hunting, fishing and spending time at his new country home in Calhoun County, GA.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Vana Conley Thornton, daughter, Courtney Houser, son-in-law Matt Houser, grandchildren Zach, Katie and Emily of Woodstock, GA, and a sister Brenda Flynn, Cumming, GA. In addition, he will be missed by many other family members, colleagues and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dexter and Gladys Thornton and brothers, Bruce and David Thornton.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held at Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at Mathews Funeral Home.

Those desiring may make memorials to The American Cancer Society 323 Pine Ave., Albany, GA 31701 or Autism Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

To sign our online registry or to send condolences to the family, you may visit Mathews' website at www.mathewsfuneralhome.com.

Mathews Funeral Home
229-435-5657