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Jerry Allen Thornton, 61, of Christiansburg, Va., passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2008. He was born January 11, 1947, in Montgomery County to the late Alvin Perry and Mary Frances O'Neill. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, having served three tours in Vietnam. He was a member of the Christiansburg VFW Post #5311. He is survived by his wife, Ava Lou Walters Thornton; brother, Danny Thornton; half sister, Judy Mandell; aunts, Gloria O'Neill and Alice Wallace; children and their spouses, Dwayne and Angela Thornton, Greg and Robin Lester, and Katina Zelenak; grandchildren, David Thornton and Cody Lester; great-grandchild, Makayla Thornton; and his special nephew, Jeff Akers. A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2008, in the chapel of Horne Funeral Home with Pastor T. Michael Bond officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home.
"Gone, but not forgotten."
The Thornton family is being served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg, Va. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornefuneralservice.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to Jerry's family.
I recall Alvin Perry "June" Thornton, Frances, Jerry and Danny coming to my grandmother's house when I was a small child. Emma Strouth Whitaker was June's grandmother also. Soon after, Frances passed away and June was tragically killed in an accident on New River Bridge in Radford. June and I were first cousins. I recall seeing him come home on military leave, dressed to the hilt in uniform. We dearly loved our first cousin. We were so heart broken when we lost him. June and his siblings came to live with my grandmother after his mother, Myrtle Whitaker Thornton, was killed in Flordia shortly after their moving there. June was just a child when he lost his mother.
I am so sorry that the years have gone by and I have never had contact with Jerry and Danny. I would like to say that I am honored to write these few words in this guest book; especially I am proud that he bravely served his country as his father did.
Jerry, may you rest in God's gracious arms for eternity.
Danny, although you do not know me, please know that you are loved.
Shirley Whitaker Bishop
November 1, 2008
Dear Greg & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Jerry from CHS and know he will be missed by you and your family. Please know that you have been in our thoughts & prayers.
Jimmy & Harriet Williams
October 26, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Gene Meador
October 24, 2008
I don't know if you remember me, but I went to Auburn two years. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jean Graham Curtis
October 23, 2008
WE DID NOT PERSONALLY KNOW MR. THORNTON, BUT TWO OF THE YOUNG LADIES FROM OUR CHURCH CAME AND MINISTERED TO HIM AND HIS WIFE A FEW WEEKS AGO. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH.
PASTOR BUFORD AND BONNIE LINKOUS
October 22, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Bob & Connie Smith
October 22, 2008
Dwayne, Angie and David
I was saddened to hear of the passing of PaPa Jerry, as Kayla calls him. I know that he will be missed very much. It is so hard to say good-bye, but you must know that he is in a much better place than he was. He is with our Lord and he is feeling no more pain. He is in a happy place now and he will watch over each and everyone of you. One day you will see him again in the Land of Glory and he and the Lord will welcome you with open arms. Know that his love is still with you and will always be.
If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call.
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Robin and Roger Howell
Robin Howell
October 22, 2008
Ava Lou and Family: I'm so very sorry for your loss. He was a very special friend to my Slim.
Mary Beasley
October 22, 2008
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry. May God comfort you and your family at this time.
Mr. & Mrs. W. Richard Shelton
October 22, 2008
You will be greatly missed. It was always a pleasure to talk with you and hear the stories you would tell.
Vanessa Bertka
October 21, 2008
With love, respect and gratitude we will remember you always.
Kevin Fogarty and Family
October 20, 2008
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Donna & Bobby Hayden
October 20, 2008
You will be forever in our hearts. We love you,
Greg, Robin, & Cody Lester
October 20, 2008
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