Bill Frank Thornton Sr., 81, of Gulfport, MS, passed away Monday, December 17, 2012. He was born October 25, 1931 in Crystal Springs, MS and was a longtime resident of the Coast.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Blanche Johnson Thornton and Ernest Homer Thornton; brothers Arthur Thornton, Homer Thornton, Terrell Thornton ; his sisters Ruby Thornton, Mary Joe Frank, and Betty Sue Lewis.
He is survived by wife Diane Gunter Thornton of Gulfport, MS; daughter Shirley (Johnny) Flores of San Antonio, TX; son Billy (Sylvia) Thornton Jr., Gulfport, MS; and daughter Melissa (George) Collins Heidelberg, MS; 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Bill was a member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War. Bill was employed by Deviney Construction Company over 40 years. He was a member of the American Legion. Many years ago he especially enjoyed volunteering with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. He enjoyed fishing and camping.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 20, 2012, at Noon, at Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 2301-23rd Avenue, Gulfport where friends and family may visit one hour before the service. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery and will be handled by Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to the Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 2301 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 in memory of Bill Thornton, Sr.
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