Lewis H. Thornton

Lewis H. Thornton of Greenville, NC passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2024 at ECU Health Medical Center. He was the son of the late Hubert Ira Thornton and Dorothy Gray Darden Thornton of Faison, NC. He was born and raised in Sampson County.

Lewis (also known as L.H.) graduated from Hobbton HS in 1959. He enlisted with the U.S. Army and completed basic training. After returning home, he started a 40 year career in the seed industry beginning at Wyatt-Quarles seed company, Funks G-Hybrid as regional manager, and Monsanto. He won numerous awards for Outstanding Sales Achievement and Distinguished Service Awards. After retirement, he worked at Ironwood Golf and Country Club for 20 years as a Starter/Ranger and Special Events Coordinator.

He was a generous individual with a fun-loving, outgoing personality. His tremendous sense of humor and gift with words never failed to keep us laughing. He had a strong work ethic and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was always punctual and lived by the motto "Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance"… the 5 P's.

He had a passion for being in the great outdoors, often fishing, golfing, or traveling to the beach. He also loved cooking for his family, friends and business associates. His whole hog barbeque, marinated pork chops, and barbeque chicken were legendary. He had a sense of accomplishment when people really enjoyed his food!

Lewis is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Janet Thornton; his daughter, Anita King and granddaughter, Rebecca of Raleigh, NC; stepdaughters, Debbie (Reed) Abernathy, Ginger (Roger) Vithalani, along with grandchildren, Dr. Scott (Jamie) Abernathy, Layne Abernathy, Jason Abernathy, Drew Vithalani, Caroline Vithalani, and great-granddaughter, Aspen Dare Abernathy. He is also survived by two brothers, Victor Thornton of Carrollton, Va., and Horace Thornton of Faison, NC, and sister, Joyce (Charles) Clifton of Clinton, NC along with his nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Douglas Thornton.

A celebration of life will be held at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Greenville, NC on Sunday, Jan. 28. Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m. with a brief prayer service to follow. Donations can be made to WoundedWarriorProject.org in lieu of flowers.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the doctors and staff at ECU Health Medical Center for their kind, supportive compassion for Lewis and his family during our time of loss.