DEACON MICHAEL GLENN THORNTON –Age 70, of Dalton, GA passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026. He was born on June 27, 1955 to his late parents, Willie Thornton, Sr., and Sara Mae Lattimore Thornton. He obtained an Associates in Business Administration Degree from Dalton Junior College. Michael retired from Tappan, now known as Frigidaire. Afterwards, he worked for the Dalton Parks and Recreation where he created a close connection to his community. Michael was a faithful member and Deacon for Mountain Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed being a Sports Referee Officiator, supporting his grandchildren’s sports events, and was an avid Georgia Bulldogs and Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joseph Thornton; and niece, Monica McFadden.

Those left to cherish Michael’s memories are his wife of thirty-six years, Cynthia Taylor Thornton; children, Christopher Michael (Kayla) Thornton of East Ridge, TN, Siobhan Thornton of Dalton, GA, LaKisha (John) Franklin, Jr. of Chattanooga, TN and Jasmine Thornton of Dalton, GA; grandchildren, Amaiya Thornton, Breylan Thornton, Haiden Thornton, JaQualla Sharpley, Christion Hughes, John P. Franklin, III, Taylor Thornton, Ariya Thornton, and Kaden Thornton; sisters, Rosalie Ransom, Willie Mae (Jessie) Rutledge, Sara Lue Bradley, Amanda Darlene (Alan) Hooks; brothers, Willie Thornton, Jr. and Jessie (Joy) Thornton; in-laws; Cheryl McFadden, Rodney (Carmen) Hagans, Gregg (Tabitha) Ellison, Evalyn Council, Patrick “Peter” (Serena) Ellison; special friends, Leroy Terry and Vanessa Perry, William “Hawk” (Pam) Hawkins; special nephew that he considered a son, Durand (Shannon) Lumpkin; special cousin, Marshall (Edna) Lumpkin; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, others relatives, his church family, and friends.

Homegoing Celebration will be Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Mountain Ridge Baptist Church, 1401 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Dalton, GA 30721, with Dr. Jerry D. Jones, Eulogist. His remains lie in state on Thursday and Friday after 12:00 Noon at Willis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Sunday at 1:00 P. M. at the church. Interment, West Hill Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, GA.