Richard Vernon Thornton

Richard Vernon Thornton, age 92, of Baxley passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at his residence.

Mr. Thornton was born February 26, 1927 in Appling County to the late James Leroy Thornton and the late Myrtle Miranda Copeland Thornton.  He was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. Mr. Thornton was a veteran of the United States Army having served in World War II and was a farmer, a former truck driver, and once worked at a furniture factory.  

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Melba Monteen Thornton of Baxley; son, Charles E. Thornton of Yulee, Florida; daughters & sons in law, Linda & Ray Hutto of Jacksonville, Florida and Janet & Jerry Kersey of Baxley; brothers & sisters in law, Ben Thornton of Jesup, J.E. Thornton of Baxley, Roger & Faye Thornton of Jesup, Henry & Shirley Thornton of Yulee, Florida, Lois Thornton of Fernandina, Florida & Wanda Thornton of Jesup. Grandchildren, Morgan (Shannon) Rowland, Amanda Kersey, David (Angel) Rowland, Cory Thornton, Felecia (Samuel) Mock & Crystal Ohlendorf & great grandchildren, Austin (Christa) VanTassel, Kaitlyn (Conner) Hodges, Jonathan Rowland, Bradley Rowland, Dylan Rowland, Kaden Mock, Tylan Mock, D. J. Mock, Natalie Ohlendorf, Zoe Ohlendorf, Dalton Ohlendorf, Anjelica Miller, Isaiah Rowland & Hannah Rowland.  

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with Rev. Darrell Quinn & Rev. Andrew Kersey officiating and a eulogy by Delmus Hale.

Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery with Military Honors.

Active Pallbearers will be Huey Lane, Justin Lane, Jesse Weaver, Scotty Turner, Allen Turner, & Carroll Weaver.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Joy Sunday School Class of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Kathleen Overstreet, Woody Holland, Ed Holland, Buddy Cain, Nina Wigley, the men of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, the Deacons of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church & their wives & A.P. & Debbie Hunter.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.

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