William Edward Thornton

Bill, a year has passed, and we think of you and talk to you, all the time. (Do you hear us?)Especially when we are eating/and say oh grandpa would love this dinner. WE have a great family,wonderful children,good friends, and a good life. What more could we ask for.I miss you and I love you forever.GOD be with you,Rest in peace.Love Elaine

the family and I thank you for the wonderful messages for Bill and our family. It was greatly appreciated. All my thanks to our great family and friends.
Elaine Thornton....

when we first met bill and also elaine we knew we would be instant friends.
bill is funny and we so enjoyed being with him although it wasnt too many times. bill would always tell us to come to georgia anytime for a visit. if wish we had taken the time to go. we will surely miss him and his humor and kindness. ed and alberta doering

God looked around his garden
and he found an empty place.
He then looked down upon this earth
and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
he always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
he knew that you were in pain,
he knew that you would never
get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
and the hills were hard to climb,
so he closed your weary eyelids
and whispered "peace be thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you
but you didn't go alone.
For part of us went with you
the day God called you home.

Uncle Bill watch over the rest of us
'till we meet again.

Mark and Cathy

My condolences to the family upon the loss of your father, grandfather and great grandfather. My special condolences to my friend and colleague Bill Thornton upon the loss of his beloved father. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the service or the burial but please realize that my thoughts are with you at this grievous time.

Charles Segal

I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race,I have kept my faith.- 2 Timothy 4:7... Grandpa fought a tough battle with the Lord and fell peacefully in the Lords arms. We yet wait to see this fierce warrior again in heaven. LOVE YOU GRANDPA & GRANDMA!!!!

There are so many memories that I have of "Uncle Billy". They go back as far as my own childhood. Memories of any family's history include good times and bad, happy occasions and sad ones. What I remember most of all was Bill's willingness to step in and help - no matter what the situation, especially if it involved family. Uncle Bill was the last of my mom's generation- the youngest of my favorite Thornton uncles. When we lose a loved one, we lose not only the person, but all of that person's memories, and part of ourselves as well. I know how very much he will be missed. Sharing in your sadness....Bev Lukehart, Garry and Patti Surprenant.

Dear Elaine & Family,To help you through each day, remember - the memory of the love you shared will never go away.Sharing in your sorrow with tender rememberances and heartfelt regrets. Love Adele & Tom

Memories of you.........house in Georgia, visiting as a little girl. You would mysteriously disappear in the early mornings after coffee with the family and tend to the backyard. Straightening up the small shack home you built so well. Telling me "This is where Grandma sends me when I'm bad!" You would smile and I would laugh so hard, asking if I could live back here with you! You would then take my little hand, and as I am holding tightly in yours, I remember discovering how loose the skin around your knuckles were, and giggling because it was so cool to me.

Memories of when I was a teenager at our log home during the summer. One morning, you were standing on the back porch, looking down over the edge. Watching me mow, what seemed to me, the 10 miles of green pasture that my dad told my brother and I to have finished before dark. You came over when I was done, placed your hand on my shoulder and I was hoping to hear you say "I will ask your parents to forget about doing the chores" but instead you said "Hard work is good for you!"

Recent memory, while visiting you two years ago in Georgia, before you moved to the Bowers Resort in Arizona, Grandma, Sabrina and I were sitting down at the kitchen table, playing games. I remember glancing over to you at times. You were sitting off to the side with your head leaning on your hand, staring at us, observing every smile, laugh, and thought that came across our faces. Like you were enjoying that moment, saving it in time. That night, sitting downstairs in your living room while grandma was in the kitchen making an amazing Italian dinner, you were telling me the story of how you met Grandma and fell inlove! Later, you were resting in your chair, playing with Jasmine, repeating over and over to her....wondering if she understood how she is your Great Grand Child!

Through the years of visiting as an adult, you taught me dignity, hard work and the lesson learned after a time of humility. When I slouched, you insisted I stand up straight. When I showed any disinterest in my life, you helped me see the good. You asked I treat others with respect, because that is what everyone deserves. You were tough, strong, and always acted out of love.

I know you are already in Heaven watching over us. Probably shaking your head at times of our crazy desicions, laughing through our family sitdowns and smiling over our future that lies ahead for each of us! You can rest assured that we will never forget what you have taught us and that we will pass down those lessons to our children and grandchildren.

I know I can speak for all of your grandchildren -- You were the best Grandpa anyone could have asked for-- we miss you, but we will never forget you, because you have imprinted yourself permanently on our hearts. We love you.

Until we will meet again,

You came to us in the winter of 2011

Oh how we were hoping it would be sooner

We set plans to travel

Through Arizona and further



You did get out some, but travel was not to be

You seemed content in your room with your TV

With headphones on your head

Not to miss a word that was said



You would pick out a snack and sit awhile

Have some laughs, with a smile

Then look outside and say

“Oh what beautiful sunshine we have today!”



Slowly, new flowers would bloom

You would notice each day

Slowly, you would tire

Sound of footsteps, you’d be on your way



We hear the sound of your walker

Your slippers on our tile floor

We then come to realize

You are here no more



We miss you so

Think of you often

Will remember our good times

Never to be forgotten

We will miss Mr Thornton and loved him dearly, your extended family, Ray, Debbie, Ashley, Samantha, Josh and Perrie

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Words fall short for this man. An Uncle that treated me like his own Daughter. I could feel how much he cared in his voice even over the phone. Even as the years passed and we didn't see each other. My sorrow is my children never knowing this true loyal family man. A wonderful Brother, Uncle. Husband, Father and Grandfather.He will be missed by all.

Bill's now at peace. May God be with you all.
Pat & Steve Bouton

We will never forget Bill. He was kind and funny and all that knew him enjoyed his company. Heaven is a better place tonight because he is there.

As Grandpa said repeatedly, "Give me strength." May we all pray so God grants each of us our own strength to grieve properly and help us to, one day, find peace in Grandpa's eternal serenity and happiness. Until we meet again, Grandpa.
We love and miss you.

Elaine, I am so sorry to hear this news of your great loss. May God comfort your heart, as only He can. Bill was a fine man, and I know you will all miss him so much. Take care, Elaine. Love you.

We are so so sorry. It is so difficult to put into words how you feel during times like these. I will always remember "Uncle Bill's" laughter and smiles. Sadly,the last time I saw Uncle Bill was when my mom passed away... Aunt Elaine, Bonnie, Susan, Bill, Linda, Elizabeth, John and Kim - We share in your loss and are so sorry. We hope that all your happy memories will fill your hearts and bring a smile to you all. Thinking of you all during this difficult time... And Aunt Elaine, you have 17 grandchildren? Wow......
Love the Robinsons, Debbie (Wendt) & Mark, and Zachary and Kristy Robinson of Kennebunk, Maine

So sorry for your loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers. David Wendt(little Dave) & Family

~Thinking of You~
You will be remembered in these Spiritual Benefits that God may bless you and keep you in His love today and every day of your life.
William Edward Thornton will share in the following Spirtual Benefits for one year ~ Thirty Masses and Two Novenas of Masses

A remembrance in the daily Mass of The Salesian Fathers and in the prayers, sacrifices and good works of all its members.

Requested by Elizabeth C. Burrell
Signed: Father Edward,
Mission Director
Salesian Missions
New Rochelle, NY

Dear Susan and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Remember all the wonderful times you had together. You and your family are in my prayers & thoughts at his sorrowful time. If you need to talk please don't hesitate to call. You are a true friend to me as well as family. Love you, Lizzy XXXOOO

Sue,what a lovely tribute to your father. He is looking down from heaven and smiling. Take comfort in each other in the days ahead. All of your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Losing a father leaves an overwhelming sadness in the heart. May each day find you one step closer to a place of gentle peace and warm remembering. Sending our love, prayers and sincere condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. May his love and your fond and happy memories help you through this very difficult time. With love and sympathy,

With Deepest Sympathy, May you feel the love of those who care embracing you during this difficult time. God's blessings on you and your family. May God grant you his consolation.

God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you suffer and saw you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands were laid to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. God Bless you Dad, we miss & love you... until we meet again.

Love always,
Denise, Scott, Travis & Carter

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; that shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not be faint." Isaiah 40.31

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

I know we are all feeling a little bit sad,
That we've lost our Grandpa, our friend and our dad
Together we have cried an ocean of tears
As we feel so empty and hold many fears

But Grandpa would want us to know he's in a good place
And that he's watching us all with a smile on his face
As we have made him so proud, as proud as can be
That he has raised such a beautiful and special family

Thinking back now I really must say
I feel lucky and privileged to have known Grandpa to this day
For in my life, you have played a special part
The memories I will treasure and keep close to your heart

Although he has gone we will always be together
And his spirit will live on each one of us forever
When you look to the sky, look for the brightest star
As that will be Grandpa looking down on us from afar

And now I would like to thank the good Lord above
For blessing us with our Grandpa with his kindness and love
Dear God, if it is not too much fuss
Take extra special care of our Grandpa as he is very dear to us

Grandpa if you are listening, say a prayer for us every day
Be sure to protect us and guide us on our way
We know when God called you, you had to go
But we want you to know Grandpa we miss you and love you so

Love,
Eddie & Kyle Doering

God grant us serenity to accept things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can and wisdom to know the difference.
You are peacefully sleeping, resting at last, your weary trials and troubles past, in silence you suffered; till God called you home to suffer no more.
You still live on, in the hearts and minds of the loving family you left behind.
You are now safe with Jesus, love and peace be with you.
Please make sure the angles watch over mom.
We will soon meet again,
Love your son Bill