Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Jerry Wayne Thornton
1943 - 2012
Jerry Wayne Thornton
1943 - 2012
Obituary
Guest Book
Jerry Thornton Obituary
Jerry was raised in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from Wichita West High School in 1961, where he excelled in athletics and earned varsity letters in four sports. Jerry then attended the University of Kansas, graduating in 1965, where he was a member of the football and baseball teams and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Following graduation Jerry embarked on a long career in the insurance and financial services industry, where he built a successful record of developing and growing businesses for a number of companies, including American Express, Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, and The New England Life Insurance Company. Since 2004, Jerry worked for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority where he helped lead partnership development for Visit Charlotte. Working with the people and partners at Visit Charlotte was Jerry's most enjoyable professional experience.
More than anything, Jerry relished being a father and grandfather and touched the lives of more than just his own children and grandchildren. A constant presence at the fields, the playgrounds, the recitals, Jerry found no greater joy than to support and encourage not only the children participating but also forged relationships with the other parents. A lifelong golfer, Jerry developed enduring relationships on the course and found no greater joy than a round with his three sons.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Bradley Thornton. Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Susan Andrews Thornton, and their children: Jeff Thornton (Patty), Brad Thornton (Heather), and Wes Thornton (Kendra), all of Charlotte. He is also survived by his mother, Faye Thornton, 7 grandchildren: Trent, Lindsay, Anna Catherine, Peter, Patrick, Jenna and Reagan, and his trusted dog Scout.
A service to celebrate the life of Jerry Thornton will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2012 at Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor Scott Suskovic officiating. Reception immediately to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC, 28226 and the American Heart Association (http://honor.americanheart.org/goto/jerrythornton).
Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, Charlotte, NC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Harry Simpson
March 18, 2015
I met Jerry in the mid 1960's while playing softball. It was only one season but Jerry was unforgettable. Thank you Jerry for sharing a part of your life with me.
Roger Tuttle
March 20, 2012
I enjoyed my opportunity to know and to work with Jerry in my years at New England. It was with a twinkle in his eye that he met every challange and a gracious smile with which he met every roadblock. Thanks for the memories Jerry.
Diana Breit Wolfe
January 23, 2012
To Jerry's Family - Although it's been over 50 years since I've seen or heard about Jerry, I still remember him. He was the cutest boy in 6th grade and all the girls had a crush on him--with his blue eyes and blonde crewcut. I've often thought about him and so glad that he had such a good life and family. I will remember him in my prayers and may he rest in peace. Thank you for putting the notice in the Wichita paper.
Jason Solomonson
January 23, 2012
It was great to know you and call you a friend. Your life was a tribute to faith, family, and friendship...a great example for all. Our family will keep yours in our prayers as we all move forward and live life....as you showed us how. Save me a spot in your foursome. You will be missed and never forgotten friend.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Bob 'BJ' Bjorseth
January 22, 2012
A little more than a year ago, Jerry reached out to re-connect with me. We were pledge brothers at KU, continued our friendship in Kansas City and then lost touch as our careers took us different directions. I am so happy that we were able to laugh and catch-up recently. My thoughts are with you, Susan, and the family he loved so much.
Tom Stroozas
January 21, 2012
I will always remember Jerry's humor and caring attitude about others. I shall miss him and all the times we have worked together to help the many noble causes.
Ellen Whiteside
January 20, 2012
Jerry was one of the most loveable persons that I've ever had the pleasure to know. When he approached me to join Visit Charlotte, I told him that I'd join if he wrote in the contract that I was his new best friend. He was so connected to everyone that I wanted to meet. I'll treasure all the hugs, smiles, and memories that I have of him. He's soaring on the other side, but boy will he be missed here on Earth. Love you, Jerry.
Deborah Aten
January 20, 2012
So very saddened to hear of your loss. Please find some comfort in the knowledge that tears are being shed and prayers are being lifted on behalf of your family by those who had the joy of knowing Jerry. He had the most contagious personality and smile! He will be greatly missed.
The team at Aten Family Dentistry
Donna Carpenter
January 20, 2012
Dear Thornton Family,
I have pondered for days looking for just the right words. Each of you know just how much Jerry meant to me! God truly blessed me when he sent me to work at Visit Charlotte! I will never forget that first day, Jerry reached out to shake my hand and I said I am a hugger and with that he said "we are gonna get along just fine!" Over the last 7 years Jerry was not only an encourager, a listener, a cheerleader, a comedian, a debater, a friend and more times than I like to admit a shoulder to cry on!!! He touched my life, and my family's life in a way that no other being has. I will be eternally grateful for him and I am better because I knew him!
Dear Jerry,
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Rest in peace my sweet buddy!
Ashley Bjorkman
January 20, 2012
I am deeply saddened by the news of Jerry's passing. He was a man of great insight and personality, and his death is a great loss for his family, friends and Charlotte. Jerry's life gave us all so many memories too beautiful to forget. Peace, prayers and blessings.
Carrie Hendrickson
January 20, 2012
Jerry was truly one of a kind. My heart goes out to his family and the Charlotte community. He will definitely be remembered and missed by many.
January 20, 2012
To Jerry's family,
Jerry was a great ambassador for us at the Billy Graham Library. He promoted the Library from the beginning and until his sudden passing and we deeply appreciated his strong support. It was a joy to know Jerry. We had many BBQ lunches together with talks about Wichita, Kansas University, my team Alabama and sports in general. We solved the nation's problems as well. I will certainly miss Jerry, truly an unforgettable personality, Christian gentleman and true patriot. May the Lord give you comfort and peace and rejoicing also for all he meant in your lives.
Wayne Atcheson, Charlotte, NC
Numbers 6:24-26
American Heart Association
January 20, 2012
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Bentena Miller-Scales
January 19, 2012
51 years later and I still remember how special Jerry always made you feel with just a hello and a smile - High School wouldn't have been the same without him. I'm sure he has encouraged many over the years to be more than they thought they could be. My condolences and prayers to his family.
Catherine Hewitt
January 19, 2012
I will miss your big hug, warm welcome and your positive atttiduce when I come to Visit Charlotte meetings. You touched everyone's heart and we miss you already. I wish your family peace and love.
Cliff & Pat Utter
January 19, 2012
Pat and I would like to express our most sincere condolences to the Thornton family. Jerry and I met in middle school and remained good friends throughout all these years. I have many joyous memories of our years of playing sports together.Jerry will be greatly missed by all of his friends in Wichita. We truly lost one of the great ones this time around.
Carol Roth
January 19, 2012
Jerry was always smiling, always positive and a friend to all. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Carol Roth
Tracy Rowlett
January 19, 2012
From another old West High pal: Jerry was an amazing person -- bright, athletic, caring and with a wonderful sense of humor. My prayers and best wishes go out to his family and many friends who will miss him dearly.
Jim and LeeAnn McCue
January 19, 2012
We were very sorry to hear the news of Jerry's sudden passing. He will certainly be missed at the baseball field. We are unable to attend the service on Friday, but want to let you know we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
With heart-felt sympathy,
Jim and LeeAnn
Julie OShea
January 19, 2012
Jerry was one of a kind. He was always smiling and making the best out of all situations. You couldn't meet him without immediatly wanting to be his buddy.
I am going to miss passing jokes back and forth.
He really was a great friend to everyone he met.
My condolences to his family and to all other people that knew Jerry.
We will all miss you very much, Jerry...
Jerry Thornton's family
January 19, 2012
Misty Johantgen
January 19, 2012
Like so many others, I am blessed to have known this wonderful gentleman. Jerry had a smile for everyone. I also knew I could count on him to "tell it straight." His impact on the membership folks in the CVB community is tremendous and we will all miss him terribly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Susan, his children and the grandchildren he was so proud of.
Jerry with Grandfather and father Sam
January 19, 2012
Jerry and his father Sam
January 19, 2012
Stephanie Prysiazniuk
January 19, 2012
To The Thornton Family:
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. Jerry had such a welcoming way, ...light illuminated from his whole being and warmly affected everyone in his presence.
He was a delightful and charming person. One who will always be dearly remembered. We miss him!
With heartfelt condolences and prayers,
Scott Brubaker
January 18, 2012
We are all feeling such great pain at the loss of Jerry. We know that pain comes from the same source as joy and and a that God will never withdraw his loving kindness from us. He calls us to be strong and courgeous,knowing that His ways are not our ways. Jerry was His son and a wonderful son to Faye,so faithful in his love and helpfulness to her. Jerry taught many how to be a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was tireless in his encourgement and devotion to his fine sons and their wives, their children and to so many friends. To Susan he was the one upon whom the sun set rose and set for more than forty years. Thanks to all who have expressed their love and concerns regarding our enormous loss.
Scott & Barbara Brubaker & Family Hudson OH
Brooke Johnson
January 18, 2012
Such a wonderful person with a great outlook on life. I was blessed to have known him. Charlotte has lost a great ambassador. Until we meet again my friend!
Phillip Cunningham
January 18, 2012
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Thornton family. Jerry is a man amongst men and a true hospitality professional. His smile and humor could truly make your day. May you rest in peace my friend.
Jeannie Caskey
January 18, 2012
He was my customer at the cleaners for years. He was always so cheerful and made us smile everytime. He will be missed so much. My heart and prayers go out to his family.
Jennifer McCallum
January 18, 2012
Jerry was an incredible man. I am a better person for having known him. He will be missed.
Tracy,Susan, Trent, Brooks King
January 18, 2012
My Friend,
I will miss you. 18 years ago you came into mine and Susans life. The Thornton's and the Kings have grown up together. How ironic your oldest and my oldests names are Trent. We were each others golf foursome fill in's. I will forever tell the story of calling you on the road and you running thru Kmart to buy shorts and changing in the car to make the ttime which by the way our foursome won. We all have our circle of close friends and Jerry is in my bullseye. I will miss your big bear hugs that would squeeze out our contaminated lives and then we could breathe in some Jerryisums. Not every man would share his Redman. The world has lost one of the good guys. You have a ticket @ the pearly gates my friend and my dad will welcome you. You two keep an eye on us and protect us.
A prayer for the family.
As a Christian we will embrace our fathers grace. May these times be soothed by memories and your lose be filled by his word and the words you are recieving in these postings.
Tracy King
Gary Fisher
January 18, 2012
Charlotte and I want to offer our sincere condolences to the Thornton family, especially Faye the most beautiful lady I have ever met (besides Charlotte of course)!!!
I've know Jerry since the 7th grade and he was an amazing guy and one of my favorite pals! Gary Fisher West High Class of 1959
John Galles
January 18, 2012
Jerry was such an impressive man. It was always a joy to encounter him and spend time with him. I have been blessed to know him and spend time with him. I am grateful for having known him. Keep great memories and joyful reflections top of mind so you can visit with him when you choose. Peace be.
Lauren Bowles
January 18, 2012
Sending my condolences to the Thornton family and Visit Charlotte staff. Jerry was such a wonderful person and touched the lives of so many. He will be terribly missed by his CVB Shirtsleeves group.
Paula Richmond-Kirk
January 18, 2012
Jerry Thornton was a gift to anyone who met him. He will be missed as wonderful memories will help fill the void.
Jerry at one of his favorite places... the golf course. Love you man!
Tracy Aldridge
January 18, 2012
Valerie Kelton
January 18, 2012
I feel so blessed to have met Jerry. He was such a friendly and fun loving person who left a positive impression on this earth and everyone who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Ted Moreland
January 18, 2012
Dear Thornton family,
Jerry was an incredible man, always willing to help out a new business partner, and genuinely one of the nicest people most of us have known. We are all better people for having had Jerry in our lives. Celebrate the good times that he brought you all. If he touched so many friends and colleagues, I can only imagine the kind of love he gave his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Chris Carpenter
January 18, 2012
Never has any man had such a positive effect on my family as Jerry. I will be eternally grateful to him. It is an honor to have called him friend. I will miss his jokes and smile. I will see you again one day.
James Bazzelle
January 18, 2012
Some times you meet someone who you just connect with Jerry was one of those people. Anybody that met him I am sure feels the same way.
I am truly going to miss him. My thoughts and prayers goes out to his family.
January 18, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Thornton family. We always enjoyed Mr. Thornton's trips to IU to visit Jeff and Brad or when we went to Pittsburgh to visit the family out there in the summer. He was one of a kind and had the patience of a Saint on the golf course. He will be missed but leaves behind a wonderful family and legacy.
Greg and Krista Heller and family.
Glenn Merritt
January 18, 2012
Just wanted to let u know how sad we were to learn about Jerry's death. He was a genuinely good guy whose advice and humor I always enjoyed. One in a million for sure.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Glenn Merritt & family
Ashley Nordan
January 18, 2012
I met Jerry when I worked at Visit Charlotte and he made me laugh everyday. He had such an impact on my life and I loved to hear his stories, and see his eyes light up when he talked about his family that he adored. I will miss him terribly along with the adorable pet e-mails that he sent me almost everyday. He was such an amazing presence in our community and I am thankful for all of the memories that I will always cherish. May God Bless his family and my deepest sympathy goes out to them.
January 18, 2012
I was one of the unlucky ones that only knew Jerry for about a year.....but the thing about him, it felt like I knew him forever! He was absolutely one of a kind and one of the great ones. Charlotte and this industry will not be the same without you. Jerry made a tremendous impact and will always, always be remembered!!! Rest in peace......Gayle Love
Andrew & Barbara Hamsher
January 18, 2012
Jerry was one of the first people to welcome me to Charlotte many years ago ... I've had the honor to work with him for several years and more importantly, being a great friend for the last 14 years. I've met the wonderful Thornton family many times and my deepest sympathies go out to them. He will be greatly missed but always remembered.
Bonny Bernat
January 18, 2012
Thoughts and prayers are with the Thornton family. I'll always remember Jerry's great hugs and for welcoming me to Charlotte. His kind nature and friendly smile will always be remembered!
Tracy Aldridge
January 18, 2012
Jerry was much like a father to me in many ways when we worked together at Visit Charlotte. I am not the same person today because of my relationship with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jerry was truly one of a kind.
January 18, 2012
I lost a a great joking buddy. Will never forget sharing laughs over lunch. Jer, hope you realized when we rode each other about Kansas vs. UCLA basketball I loved you for your give and take. Now I am going to have to root for the Jayhawks one time . . . for you Pal. Mark Levin, Wilson, NC
Randy Davis & Beth Sowell
January 18, 2012
This came as such a shock to everyone here at Episode XI Studios. Jerry was the first to believe in us, when we started 5 years ago. He will be missed greatly. Charlotte has lost one of it's best individuals. There is no doubt in our minds that he now rest in the arms of our Creator.
Susan Freshcorn
January 18, 2012
My deepet sympathies to the Thornton famiy and to the Visit Charlotte staff. Jerry was one of those special individuals I had the pleasure of knowing. I know he will be missed by many.
Girls Day Away 2011
Beth Sowell
January 18, 2012
Jerry was instrumental in helping us get our business off the ground 5 years ago by helping us figure out how to leverage our Visit Charlotte membership and introducing us to people we needed to know. Over the years we've gotten to know him and consider him a friend and not just a business connection. He gave the best hugs and always had a great smile for everyone. He will be greatly missed by many.
Beth Sowell
Episode XI Studios
E Brooks
January 18, 2012
Jerry Thornton was a great man. I hope and pray his legacy lives on for all the world to see.
R. Huffman
January 18, 2012
I am better off, having know Jerry Thornton. Rest in Peace my friend.
Ed, Emma & Gus Bailey
January 18, 2012
Our deepest sympathies go out the Thornton family. Jerry, thank you for being a friend and mentor to me. You will be missed by all who had the privilege to know you.
Laura Hill
January 18, 2012
Jerry was an incredible colleague and friend, always there to welcome you with a bear hug, introduce you to a new friend or exchange proud tales of the latest endeavors of his grandchildren. The charming and tenacious spirit we were so fortunately graced with will be dearly missed. My heart and prayers go out to the Thornton family.
Jon Davis
January 18, 2012
Wes, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I really enjoyed meeting your father at Davidson events. He sure leaves an amazing legacy with your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
-Jon Davis
Lynn Wray
January 18, 2012
Dear Thorton family,
Our sincerest condolences during this most difficult time. We pray that you find some comfort in your faith, family and friends. Mr. Thorton was such a compassionate man that touched more lives than I am sure even he realizes becuase of his genuine kind and caring nature. He truly will be missed by many. God bless, Lynn and Morgan
Kevin Porter
January 18, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May you lean on the Lord and may you feel his loving arms wrap around you. Jerry was a great man and I'm a better person because of him. He will be missed greatly. What a friend he was.
January 18, 2012
Our prayers and condolences from the Kile Family...
Molly Hedrick
January 18, 2012
Dear Susan, mom Faye, kids and grandkids,
Jerry was the light of Visit Charlotte and a dear friend. I will miss his warm greetings, the cups of coffee we shared and the humor and wisdom he also shared with me over the years. My sincere sympathy and prayers are with you all and will continue to be for a very long time to come. We miss Jerry so much already.
God bless,
Molly Hedrick
Jonnie Rogers
January 18, 2012
Jeff, Patty, Trent, Lindsey and Jenna. We are so very sorry!! I feel like Brooke and I are part of your family and my heart is breaking for you all. I met Jerry in 2006 through Visit Charlotte meetings before I realized he was Patty's father-in-law. We talked for hours about what a wonderful family he had. Please know I am keeping all of you in my prayers!!! Jonnie Rogers
Paige Welch
January 18, 2012
Some need a lifetime to make and impression then there are those who need just a moment. Rest well friend~
Showing 1 - 63 of 63 results
10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
Make a Donation
in Jerry Thornton's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Jerry's loved ones
Honor a beloved 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
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 moreWays to honor Jerry Thornton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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
