Bobby J. Thornton

Bobby Joe Thornton, 65, of Muscle Shoals, died Aug. 2, 2002, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.His loving wife of 44 years, Sandra, survives him, as well as his daughters, Cindy Wood, Chattanooga, Robin and husband, Phil Collins, of Birmingham, and Angela and husband, Wade Crowe of West Orange, N.J. He is survived by his mom, Rachel Thornton; sisters, Annette and husband, Billy Sturdivant, Brenda and husband, Troy Oliver, all of Russellville, Cathy and husband, Steve Gray, of Birmingham; his father-in-law, Cecil Maclin of Muscle Shoals; and brother-in-law, Terry Maclin of Richmond, Va. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends will also miss him.Preceding him in death were his father, Hubert; and his mother-in-law, Juanita Maclin. Bobby was born in Franklin County, graduated from Russellville High School and Florence State College. He retired from Ford Motor Co. The special love of Bobbys life was bass fishing. He was a longtime member of the Quad-Cities and the Seniors Bass clubs. There are many who were dear friends to Bobby, but closer than brothers, especially during his illness, were Don Crittenden, Clarence Prestage and Adrian Yarbrough.Bobby was a 50-year member of Woodward Avenue Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities, including deacon and chairman of ushers. He made several mission trips across the country with the men from the church to build churches where there was a need. He was a longtime member of the Muscle Shoals Lions Club, serving as president several times and being awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow. Bobby was a building contractor after his retirement and was a positive influence on several young men who worked with him. He was an artistic designer who designed, remodeled and built several homes and additions in the area, including his own.His family loved and will miss him always. They wish to thank Drs. Daughtery, Patel and Hart, staff of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, Mark Ray and especially Hospice of the Shoals for their care and support during the last months. Our thanks goes to all those who prayed for us, sent cards, flowers, food and just let us know of your support and love during the seven years of Bobbys illness.Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, 2002, at Colbert Memorial Chapel and funeral services will follow at 3 p.m., with burial in Colbert Memorial Gardens. Dr. Tom Whatley and Brother Carl Gaston will officiate the services.Bearers will be Leslie Sturdivant, Jonathan Oliver, Charles Gargis, Henry Marthaler, Larry King and Ellis Rea.Colbert Memorial Chapel is directing.