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Frank Thornton Obituary
THORNTON, M.D., 81
WINTER HAVEN - Dr. Frank J. Thornton, 81, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2010 of complications from diabetes.
He was born in Tampa, FL on April 16, 1929. Educated in the public schools of Hillsborough County, he attended college in Atlanta, where he received his Bachelor of Arts from Emory University and graduated with his Medical Degree from the Emory University School of Medicine. While at Emory, he was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
Following college, Dr. Thornton joined the military as a Captain with the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an assistant flight surgeon and general medical officer at Ethan Allen AFB in Vermont.
Dr. Thornton started his private medical practice in Haines City in April, 1960. He later became a senior partner of Green Clinic, where he was a family practice physician for 30 years. A charter fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians since 1974, Dr. Thornton also served as an officer of the Polk County Medical Association. He was actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Haines City Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis and Rotary clubs.
He is survived by his wife Linda; brothers William (Mary Jane) Thornton of Tampa and Bond Thornton of Tallahassee; daughter Patrice (Bill) Bobier of Hesperia, MI; sons Rick (Deborah) Thornton and David (Cindy) Thornton of Winter Haven; stepsons Todd (Sheri) Deliman of Winter Haven and David Deliman of Pensacola, FL; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving Shelties, Tipper and Piper.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 4, 2010 from 5-7pm at Steele's Family Funeral Services, Winter Haven, FL. Interment will take place at a later date at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Thornton
Cynthia Wade
June 8, 2010
Dr. Thornton was my physician many years ago (in the early 60's to the early 70's). He was a great and caring doctor. He helped to bring me through many asthma and pneumonia bouts. I will never forget him. For some reason, he had been on my mind about two weeks ago. To the Thornton family, it is my prayer that God will continue to strengthen you during this time of sorrow. May the sweet fragrance of his life help to sustain you.
June 7, 2010
DEAREST LINDA, SO SORRY TO HEAR OF FRANK'S DEATH. YOU KNOW HOW MUCH HE WAS LOVED BY RODNEY AND MYSELF. THEY SHOULD BE WITH EACH OTHER NOW. I KNOW YOU WERE A WONDERFUL WIFE AND CARED FOR HIM SO DEARLY. PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE BLESSING FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY. MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH JOY AND PEACE IN THE FOLLOWING DAYS TO COME. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING AT ALL PLEASE CALL ME. ALL MY LOVE, ANGIE DERMID-PERRY
Teresa (Lodge) Price
June 4, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Dr. Thornton was not only a great Doctor, he was a great man. He truly cared about people in ways you rarely see today. All of you are in my prayers during these difficult times. Blessed be.
Michael Degnan
June 4, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with Frank and his family. Frank was a wonderful Family Doctor and will be missed by many.
Phyllis Hall
June 4, 2010
Linda & Rick,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that God be with you during this time and give you strenght and peace.
Jerry & Wendy Cummings
June 4, 2010
Our deepest sympathies Dave & Cindy and all the Thornton family.Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless !!
Michelle Larson
June 4, 2010
Uncle Frank, you will be missed...with love and fond childhood memories --including, of course: learning to water ski and barely surviving the attempt -- from "Shelley"
Becky & Jim Fletcher
June 3, 2010
Linda, So sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Linda Bowen
June 3, 2010
God Speed "DOC" you always had a kind heart & loved being a Doctor & thank you for being there when i needed you .May you rest in peace & love & prayers to your family! Sincerely ,Linda Bowen
Steve Hendrix
June 2, 2010
Dear Family, I am very sorry to hear of Dr. Thorton's passing. I will cherish fond memories of times spent with him. Wishing you all peace and comfort.
Mary Taylor
June 2, 2010
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your loved one. Dr. Thornton was a great doctor, he used to treat me years ago at Greens Clinic. My love goes out to all of the family, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All !!!
Mary Taylor
June 2, 2010
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your loved one. Dr. Thornton was a great doctor, he treated me years ago at Greens Clinic. My love goes out to all of the family, and all of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All !!!
Shawna Ford-Davis
June 2, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Joyce Brose
June 2, 2010
Patrice,
I'm so sorry to hear of your Father's passing.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Joyce(Fulgham)Brose
Scott & Linda Turner
June 2, 2010
Our deepest sympathies Linda and all the Thornton family. May the memories you keep bring you much comfort.
RICK THORNTON
June 2, 2010
I SO LOVED HOW MY DAD WAS A DR. I WANTED HIM TO TAKE CARE OF ALL MY FRIENDS ! HE TOUGHT ME THE LOVE OF TAKING CARE OF OTHERS. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND MISS HIM !
HIS SON RICK THORNTON
Michael Wadsworth
June 2, 2010
To the Family of Dr. Frank J. Thornton,
May eternal rest be granted unto him oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May God grant the strength to the family to carry on during these difficult times, Frank will be missed.
Bill & Susan Steele
June 2, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Steele's Family Funeral Services - Winter Haven207 Burns Lane, Winter Haven, FL 33884-1145
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