Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. | Montgomery, AL

Obituary For Dr. Willie Earl Thornton

Dr. Willie Thornton, a resident of Wetumpka, AL., passed away August 12, 2022. Viewing will be held Friday, August 19, 2022 from 2-6 p.m. at St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church, 1609 Withers St., Montgomery, AL 36104. The Omega service for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., will follow from 6-6:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. from First Baptist Church, 347 N. Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Burial will follow in Eastwood Memorial Gardens. “Willie Earl” is survived by his loving and devoted son, Nicholas Earl Thornton; two sisters: Fannie Smith-Harris, and Norma Thornton-Bishop, both of Montgomery, AL; Bessie Pierce, New York, NY; six brothers Charles Thornton and Alfred (Gail) Thornton of Montgomery, AL; Reverend Roger (Juanita) Thornton, Jonesboro, GA; Hermon (Yulander) Thornton, James Tyner, Montgomery, AL; and Roy Tyner, Pine Bluff, AR; two sisters-in- law: Norma Jeanne (Ronald) Vance, Montgomery, AL and Brenda Law-Williams, Charlotte, NC; two brothers-in-law: Norman (Gloria Jean) Williams, Jr., Dr. William (Carletta) Abernathy, Montgomery, AL; Three aunts: Rosa Thornton and Betty Thornton, Detroit, MI; and Alice Thornton, Cleveland, OH.; Devoted Friends: Jennifer Burt, Kenneth Gibbs, Dr. David (Gloria) Harris, Alicia Hodge, Rev. Michael Huffman, Angie Kemp, James Stanfield, Daniel Stallworth, Dr. Emily Walker, Jessie White, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Guest Book

Our deepest Condolences to the Entire Thornton Family wth love from the Michelle Harris and family, neighbors in the Community for years.

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My Dear Sweet Willie Earl, I Just Learned Of Your Passing. I am so Sad, however I know that you are with Our Father in Heaven and at Peace..The Last Time We Were All Together Was At My Husband's Funeral (John Barnes 2019). Thanks For Supporting Me 💕 Rest Wel3QB4l Family.

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We pray that you walk in the strength of the LORD hold on to Proverbs 20:27 Annie & Calvin Woods family

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Dr. Thornton was a colleague, a brother, a friend. Many days were spent around the piano as children singing hymns of praise. He did not hesitate when asked to sing at my mom's (Jean Berry) celebration of life. My deepest condolences to the Thornton family. Dr. Marian Johnson

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Rest in peace, my friend. May the Most High God provide comfort and peace to Nicholas and the entire family during this time. Minister Tanya Brown

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We express our sincere sympathy to the family of Brother Dr. Willie Thornton. We are holding your close at heart in thought and prayer, and asking the Lord to bring comfort, peace, and strength for each need you face during this difficult time. May God continue to keep you and Bless you always. With deepest Sympathy, Nellye and Zollie Harris, Jr. Montgomery, Ala.

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With deepest sympathy from the Tubbs/Kirkland Family. I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Thornton for over 20 years. He was my middle school Principal at Lowndes County Middle and my co-worker at Greenville High. He will be missed greatly. --LaCarrianne Kirkland & O'Bryan Tubbs--

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Wishing Nicholas and the entire Thornton Family much peace and understanding during this difficult time. Dr. Thornton was a classmate and I was always touched by his music. May your memories of him keep a smile on your faces. Love Margaret Douglas-Baugh

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To Nicholas and the Thornton family, you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers 🙏. We will miss sharing the daily Inspiration s, and prayer times. Rev B

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Willie Thornton was an educator who truly loved working with children. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Dr. Thornton! Fannie S. Adams

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Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Dr. Willie Thornton made me feel warm, loved, and musical. That is the kind of legacy I hope to leave. So sad to lose his voice.

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Words fail me at this time. He was my friend. He will forever hold a place in my heart.

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To Nicholas and the Thornton family, you are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for your strength and peace. Yvetta Gray-Smithers

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May the God of all grace who provides peace beyond man's understanding be with the Thornton family during this time. Minister Tanya Brown

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With our deepest sympathy may the Lord comfort the family during this time. Rosie & Rodney Bibb of Canaan Baptist Church

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Dr. Thornton was an inspiration to me. The memory of singing under his direction on a Project Pilgrimage trip is one of my most treasured. I love to sing. He loved to sing. The 'choir' sang forth and hearts soared. Thank you, Dr. Thornton. My condolences to his family and to his beloved community.

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Condolences to The Thornton Family! We're keeping you all in our Thoughts and Prayers and also sending many Hugs and our L❤️VE your way. God will make everything alright. Just Keep On Trusting In Him. With Love, The Pringle Family (Oneal, Leontyne, Antoinette, Celena, Matthew, Terry, Ashton and Amaya) Ramer, AL

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Words cannot express the sadness in grieving the loss of Dr Willie Thornton. Please know that the Davis's family offers their deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. Drs. Earnest & Cheryl Davis

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My condolences to the family. May God grant you comfort, peace and strength at this time. Blessings, Celia & Rosalyn Hendricks

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To Nicholas and Thornton Family No Tears in Heaven There are no tears in Heaven nor grief of any kind. Willie leaves this final teardrop to those he left behind. Though absent from the body He is present with the Lord; the joy of his Salvation is now his full reward. And just as God has promised he wiped his tears away and nothing can compare to the wonders of that day.So keep Willie in your memory and know that up above there are no tears in Heaven, instead there's only Love. The Woods and Orum Family

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We have known Willie since he was a teenager. He was our Church muscian as a teenager. He had an awesome talent. Our hearts go out to his son and family. May God give you comfort and peace. Love, The Peagler, Williams, Moss and The Canaan Baptist Church Family

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Dr. Thornton was a gift in my life. . .he brought me back to church music in a way I never could have anticipated. Sending love to dear Nicholas as he navigates early adulthood and grief simultaneously. There are no good words--only grace and love. In the light, KPC

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With our deepest sympathy. My the Lord comfort all of you through these rough waters. Darryl and Yolanda Seawright

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With Deepest Sympathy to the Thornton Family! Praying for your strength! Ms Dorothy J Roberts Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

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Sorry for your loss Dr.Thornton taught both of my daughters at Resurrection school. Joe Marshall Jr & Family

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc. | Montgomery, AL