Gene Elliott Thornton Sr.

1944 - 2022

Gene Elliott Thornton Sr. passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022 in his home in Virginia Beach, VA. He was born June 12, 1944 in Chattanooga, TN to the late Mildred Thornton Gilreath. Gene was raised in Chattanooga along with his older sister, Barbara Ann who preceded him in death. Gene was a 1962 graduate of the historic Howard High School. In 1963, he left home to honorably serve our country in the Vietnam War as an Airman in the United States Air Force. Gene's Air Force days were followed by service to the largest municipal fire department in the United States: the New York City Fire Department, where he retired as a fireman. After retirement from the fire department, he relocated his family to Virginia Beach, VA. where he was a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. In July of 2010, Gene retired from Sea Pine Postal Station after 26 years of service. Known for his commanding personality, generous heart, infectious laugh and witty sense of humor, Gene was the loving backbone of his family. Ever stressing the importance of family, we knew that we could depend on him for meaningful advice, good judgment and sound biblical reasoning. He was truly adored. Under the care and guidance of his loving mother, Gene confessed belief and hope in Christ at an early age. He always was willing to share his faith in the Lord and was an active and deeply devoted member of Union Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, VA. Gene served on the church's bus ministry, food bank, Trustee Board, Deacon Board and ultimately fulfilled his duty as Chairman of the Deacon Board. He was willing to volunteer his service whenever and wherever needed. In addition to his mother and sister, his wife of 37 years, Mlldred Coston Thornton preceded Gene in death. Survivors include his devoted sons, Gene E. Thornton, Jr. (Tonya Thornton) of Chesapeake VA and Terrence L. Thornton (Virginia Thornton) of Norfolk, VA ; grandchildren, Marcus Thornton, Genelle Thornton, Nigel Thornton, Charles Roberts, and Tasha Roberts; great-grandchildren, Sanai Thornton, Kalani Thornton and Masai Thornton; step-children, Charles McLean and Detra Littlejohn; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Gene enjoyed the fellowship of the 14 year friendship of the McNair family, Alvin and Sherita. A funeral service will be held, 11am, Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Union Baptist Church, 4608 South Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23452. A wake Service will be held, 5pm-7pm, Wednesday, 23, 2022 at Union Baptist Church. Entombment will be held at Roosevelt Memorial Park, 1101 Campostella Road, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Services are entrusted to Metropolitan Funeral Service, Granby location.