FUNERAL HOME

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary

4071 Macon Road

Columbus, Georgia

Billy Thornton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 22, 2014.

Billy Coleman
Thornton
March 21, 1935 -
August 20, 2014
Fortson, GA- Billy Coleman Thornton, 79, of Fortson, GA, passed away on August 20, 2014 at Columbus Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services for Mr. Thornton will be 11:00 AM, on Saturday, August 23, 2014 in Edgewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby 4071 Macon Road Columbus. Pastor Mark Brown will officiate, with interment to follow in Parkhill Cemetery.
Visitation for Mr. Thornton will be from 5-7 PM, on Friday, August 22, 2014 at the funeral home.
Mr. Thornton was born on March 21, 1935 in Cottondale, Florida to the late David Byron Thornton and Minnie Downing Thornton. In addition to his parents, Mr. Thornton was preceded in death by three sisters: Edna Horton Cutchin, Ernestine Thornton Cutchin, and Lucille Thornton.
Mr. Thornton was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed singing, playing and listening to blue grass gospel music, and playing the guitar, mandolin, and other instruments. He had a great love for his church family where he was a member of the Maranatha Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Rachel Atkins Thornton, three daughters: Alison Thornton Levson and her husband Loren; Kelli Thornton Williams and her husband Ronnie; and Tracy Thornton Obert. He is also survived by one brother, Charles Byron Thornton and his wife June; eight grandchildren: Aric Ogletree, Luther Land, Amanda Berdeaux, Troy McGowan, Megan McGowan, Tim Obert, Brad Obert, and Cole Obert; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Otis.
Flowers and online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Billy Thornton

What is your first memory of Billy?

Share a favorite memory you have of Billy.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Billy.

Describe a time when Billy made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Billy?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Billy.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Billy.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Billy.

What is something you learned from Billy?

Not sure what to say?

June 30, 2015

J C Sysk [email protected]

June 29, 2015

Dear Rachel, Alison, Kelli and Tracy. Praying for you all 6/29/15 So sad to learn of your loss. Last saw Billy at Mama's funeral in Atlanta May 03 (Aunt Prudy) Just glad I got here before the book closing 8/22 First Cousin, J C Sysk Cell 813-502-9108

September 4, 2014

Becky McIlwain

We loved Billy and the family,wonderful memories of a very special man,love you all,

August 22, 2014

leon carter

Rachel and family, I am so sorry for your loss. what a wonderful friend to all that new him. Thoughts , above all prayers are with you and family .. leon carter

August 22, 2014

Gene and Olivia Nelson

Olivia and I are praying for the family during this time of sadness. What a true gentleman. I was privileged to call him my friend.

August 22, 2014

Ronnie and Pat Fowler

Dear Rachel, Alison, Kelli and Tracy. Praying for you all. We loved Bro Billy so much. We will miss him, especially at Maranatha. We were so fortunate to be his friend all these years! Love, Ronnie and Pat.

August 22, 2014

Frances Bryan

So sorry to hear of your loss .

August 22, 2014

Kelli and Ronnie Williams

Will miss you Daddy. The Precious Lord took your hand....

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Billy Thornton's name

Memorial Events
for Billy Thornton

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary

4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907

How to support Billy's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Billy Thornton's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more