William-Thornton-Obituary

Dr. William Terrance "Terry" Thornton

Fulton, Mississippi

1939 - 2010

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Fulton, Mississippi

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Fulton – Dr. William Terrance “Terry” Thornton, 71, died at his residence on August 9, 2010. Born on July 26, 1939, to the late Garfus Sherman and Letha Hollingsworth Thornton, he was a native of the Parham Community in Monroe County.

Terry attended public school in Monroe County and graduated from Hatley High School, Class of 1957. He earned three degrees, including a doctorate, from the University of Mississippi.

Terry married Betty Ann Rooker of Tupelo on December 17, 1961. Terry taught briefly at Brookhaven High School before returning to North Mississippi to teach science at Milam Jr. High School in Tupelo and elementary science for the newly-created educational programming at WTVA in Tupelo. These lessons were the first educational TV to be broadcast in the state of Mississippi and were watched both by children in the classrooms and by television viewers in North Mississippi, Western Alabama, and Southern Tennessee. After two years in Tupelo, Mr. Thornton was named an NDEA fellow at Ole Miss. When he completed his doctorate, he began his college teaching career at Troy State College, now Troy University. He later taught in the Troy University System at the Fort Rucker Branch and the Dothan Branch.

Dr. Thornton was a man of many talents and interests. He played the piano and organ at numerous churches, social events, and weddings. He loved both reading and writing and was the author of numerous stories, poems, and recollections of growing up in Monroe County. Terry was a popular public speaker and conversationalist. He was a naturalist and bird watcher. Terry taught countless students and teachers to enjoy studying science.

Dr. and Mrs. Thornton have two sons, William Terrance “Teb” Thornton, Jr., (Coleen), Fulton, and James Garfus Thornton (Charlena), New Orleans; his grandchildren, William Terrance III, and Margaret Ann, Fulton, and Charles William, New Orleans; brother, Thomas Sherman Thornton, (Patricia), Amory; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service for Terry Thornton will be held at 10 AM, Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. John Foster officiating. Inurnment will follow in Lann Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 – 7 PM, Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Itawamba Historical Society, Mantachie, 38855-0007 or Sanctuary Hospice House Home Care, 5159 W. Main St., Tupelo, 38803.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at [email protected]. Arrangements for the Thornton family are in the care of E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory; 256-2644.

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He was a wonderful man and a thorough scholar. His work is a family treasure for all us Yanc(e)ys.

Dear Family, I just learned last night about Mr. Thornton's death and I am so sorry. Mr. Thornton and I had exchanged many emails, and I sent him a picture of a bottle tree and he had it on his website. I will keep you all in prayer.

Dear Thorton Family, I am so sad. Terry and I emailed for several years about genealogy. He helped me so much. He was the kindest person. Recently we discovered that we were distant cousins. Without him I would not have been able to discovered so many things about my family in Monroe County. His good heart reached all the way to California.
Jane Diano (San Diego, Ca.0

Dear Betty and the Thornton Folks...

Terry helped me to appreciate Itawamba and Monroe counties, where many of my ancestors lived. When I started my genealogical search, he was such a help and encouragement. His writings have inspired me and many others. God Bless You!

Dear Thornton Family,
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Terry through the Geneablogging community. Mr. Thornton's blog was a true inspiration. His contribution to the world of genealogy for his beloved Monroe County, Mississippi amazing. He will be missed greatly! My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Terri Kallio

Betty and Sons,
I am deeply saddened at the loss of Terry. His generous giving of time and effort to those of us who needed a push to pursue our genealogy seemed endless. His intelligence and wit were unsurpassed. Most of all, the courage he found to continue his passion was remarkable. I know that this couldn't have happened without his "Sweetie."

Dear Thornton Family,

What a sad day it has been to learn about the passing of Terry. Please accept my condolences. What a story teller, historian and true Southern Gentleman he was. He will be deeply missed. A little part of him will always remain in his stories and the support he gave so many genealogy researchers and his community for years to come. Rest in peace dear friend.

We were fortunate to have been neighbors of the Thornton's for a brief period. Although we did not spend as much time as we would have liked, we cannot imagine having better neighbors during hurricane Katrina than Dr. and Mrs. Thornton. The world has lost a true gentleman. Our heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Thornton and her family. May he rest in peace.

Dear Thornton Family,
Terry warmly wrote me several times about genealogy and writing. I appreciated him very much and wish it had been possible to know him better. I pray your sadness and grief will be tempered by having had such a special person as your family. May God truly bless each of you.
Sue Edminster, Granite Falls, WA