Search by Name

Search by Name

William Thornton Obituary

William Holladay Thornton, III

Greensboro

William Holladay Thornton, III died on August 22, 2018.

William was born in Greensboro on February 24, 1984. He is survived by his wife, Cristina Velez-Thornton; his parents, Bill and Anne Thornton; younger brother, Thomas Thornton; grandmother Elizabeth Norfleet Stallings; many loving aunts and uncles and many close cousins; and mother and father-in-law Joe and Marisa Spina of Cary, NC. He was pre-deceased by his grandparents, Ray Hightower Stallings, William Holladay Thornton and Frances Taylor Thornton.

A kind soul whose heart and bright smile touched many lives, William was passionate and dedicated to the people he met along the many paths he traveled. He was loved by many and known for his quick wit and ability to connect with just about anyone.

A Memorial Service for William will be held on Tuesday, August 28 at 3:00 pm at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Greensboro.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in William's name to Friends of Jamaica, at https://friendsofjamaica.peacecorpsconnect.org/campaigns/ william-thornton.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News and Observer on Aug. 26, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Thornton

Not sure what to say?





Crystal Chapman

September 4, 2018

Will was a beautiful soul and he will definitely be missed. My prayers and condolences are extended to all friends and family

Nicholas Sanchez

August 30, 2018

Wow I can't believe this you was always there for me, done stuff you shouldn't have for me I'm gonna miss you bro RIP

Nicholas sanchez

August 30, 2018

So sad my condolences to his wife and family

Joey Lhotsky

August 29, 2018

Will was oke of the nicest guys, always smiling and happy to be around in high school. A positive person and kind person all the way around. So sad to hear this news.

Carlos Romallo

August 28, 2018

My brother by love. I will always remember the times you made me laugh and uplifted my spirit. Not only by your words but also by your kind actions. As i walked into the work place where we onced worked together, which once was Y roads Jamaica (OBT). Though I was enduring much at that time. you gave me strength on days when I least expected it. Thank you William Father & Mom for raising such a wonderful, strong and loving Man. Whom I came to love dearly!!!!!

Chip Atkinson

August 27, 2018

This is a tremendous loss to all who loved him. Much love and prayers to all the Thorntons.

Classic Peace Lily Plant

Stephen Neas

Sent Flowers

Danielle Longman

August 27, 2018

We heard about Will before we met him through our mutual friend and his work colleague Anika Smith Vaughan... Will had a love for outdoor, nature, children and Jamaica. I had the pleasure of interacting with Will at the wedding of Anika and Paul Vaughan and remember him as a gentle spirit with a beautiful smile...Gone but not forgotten....We are saddened by his loss and would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Will... May his soul rest in eternal peace....

susan stern

August 27, 2018

Oh, Bill and Annie!
Your boys have always had a special place in my heart since our early days at the beach. Please know that William and you are loved entirely and forever.
Sincerely,
Susan

Helen Norfleet-Shiflett

August 27, 2018

Anne and Bill, I was very sorry to hear about William's passing. I wish Randy and I could be there for you and you family tomorrow however please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Randy & Helen Norfleet-Shiflett (Hill & Ethel's daughter)

August 27, 2018

Bill and Annie my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Julie Barker

August 26, 2018

Anne and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

August 26, 2018

TO THE FAMILY & FRIENDS;

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your
great loss,may GOD'S loving kindness comfort
your hearts at this difficult time.
PSALM 29:11.


C.J.~Illinois

Cindy Minor

August 26, 2018

Bill, Anne and Thomas - When I think about what Peeler Open School represented in the community, I think of your family. Although I haven't seen Will in quite a few years, I have kept up with your family. Having taught Will, and reading about his accomplishments, it's clear that he made a significant impact on the lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

With Love,
Cindy Minor

Sandra Harris

August 25, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Will always brought a smile to us. Sincerely, Sandra & Gerald Harris

Mikaila Mills

August 25, 2018

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Make a Donation
in William Thornton's name

Memorial Events
for William Thornton

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support William'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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor William 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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