COL (Ret) Joseph A. Thornton Jr.

COL (Ret) Joseph A.
Thornton, Jr.
January 12, 1941-
December 14, 2015
Fortson, Georgia- COL (Ret) Joseph A. Thornton, Jr. age 74, resident of Fortson, Georgia died on Monday, December 14,
2015 at Midtown Medical Center, Columbus, Georgia. Funeral Mass is scheduled at Christ the King Catholic Church, Pine Mountain, Georgia on Monday, December 21, 2015, 11 a.m. with Father Ronnie Madden officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, Alabama at 2 p.m. (EST). The family will receive friends at Striffler-Hamby, Columbus on Sunday, December 20, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. followed by Rosary at 7 p.m.
COL Thornton, son of the late COL (Ret) Joseph Ambrus Thornton, Sr. and Margaret Virginia Garrison Thornton, was born January 12, 1941 in Atlanta, Georgia. He retired from the U.S. Army where he served his country honorably for over 30 years. As an officer, COL Thornton provided supervision and guidance for Army Healthcare as a Health Systems Comptroller. During his distinguished military career, he served many stateside and overseas assignments to include Vietnam and Germany. COL Thornton received numerous ribbons and medals to include the Legion of Merit (1OLC); Meritorious Service Medal (3OLC); Army Commendation Medal (1OLC); Army Achievement Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm; Expert Marksmanship Badge-Pistol; Combat Medical Badge; Senior Parachutist Badge; and Special Forces Tab.
After retirement from the military, COL Thornton began a career with TRICARE, as the TRICARE Service Center Provider Relations Coordinator where he served faithfully for over 15 years. COL Thornton was actively involved in his community, serving as Treasurer, MOAA (Muscogee County); Member, National MOAA; Member, National Special Forces Association; and Member of Christ the King Catholic Church, Pine Mountain, Georgia.
COL Thornton was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Melton and a brother-in-law, Pete Melton. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia B. Thornton; two sons, Joseph A. Thornton III and his wife Jennifer and William P. Thornton and his wife Wendy; brother, Richard Thornton and his wife Linda; sister, Mary Inez Vogel and her husband Don; six grandchildren, Bobby J. Lamb-Sears III, Renee N. White and her husband Adam, Joseph A. Thornton IV, Jarod M. Thornton, Jenil A. Thornton, and Jordan C. Thornton; a host of nieces; nephews; and friends.
Flowers are accepted or contributions may be made to Salvation Army National Headquarters, P.O. Box 269, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 or Valley Rescue Mission, 2903 2nd Ave, Columbus, Georgia.
Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.