Davis E. Thornton was born on January 2, 1942, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to the late Arthur and Nancy Thornton. After his father’s passing, his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. As the first-born son, he was affectionately given the nickname “Sonny Man” by his parents. The name was a rite of passage to him and reserved for use only by his parents, siblings and cousins.

Davis graduated from Booker T. Washington (BTW) High School, which he proudly regarded as Memphis’ “only” and best high school in the city. A standout running back for the BTW football team, he earned WDIA’s 1959 Gridiron Greats award as a sophomore. He went on to attend Bishop College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Marshall, Texas, where he continued playing football. To support his wife, Davis later enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Supply Specialist. During his service, he received the Expert Badge for Rifle M-14, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. After his honorable discharge in 1966, he worked for the Army Depot and later for Exide Battery Company in Memphis, Tennessee; Montreal, Canada; and Atlanta, Georgia. He also worked for Gould Battery Company before joining the City of Memphis’ Maintenance Department, then transferring to the Memphis Police Department’s fleet organization, where he retired in 2012.

Davis loved his family. He was never afraid to have honest, sometimes difficult conversations with loved ones about making wise choices and building a bright future. His family understood that his words came from a place of love.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Christopher; his brother-in-law, James Lee; and his sister-in-law, Anne Cobbert.

Davis leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Barbara Thornton; two sons, Anthony C. Thornton (Angela) and Darrell D. Thornton (Terri); one daughter, Sheryl A. Jackson (Tony); five grandchildren, Alexis Thornton, Andrew Thornton, Morgan Thornton, Kerrigan Jackson, and Keegan Jackson; one great-granddaughter, Ariana-Giselle Pinckney; his sister, Josie Dell; his brothers, James, Robert, and Ronald (Delois); his in-laws, Alfred, Charlie, Rosemary, and Sandra; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

He was also a loyal member of The Corner Club and the BTW Alumni Class of 1961.

The family will receive friends Monday, July 6th, 2026 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38111. Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, at 11:00am at Mt Pisgah CME Church 2490 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38114.

Burial will take place in West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125 at 1:00pm.