Corey Wynell Thornton Obituary in Opelika at Harris Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Corey Wynell Thornton

Funeral service for Corey Thornton, 48, of Opelika, AL, will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Lafayette High School Gymnasium, 214 First Avenue SE, Lafayette, AL, 36832 with interment in Evergreen Cemetery, 1409 Monroe Avenue, Opelika, AL, 36801, Brother Jeremy Sanders will officiate.

Mr. Thornton, who passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at East Alabama Lanier in Valley, AL, was born December 16, 1975, in Lee County, Alabama.

Public viewing will be Friday, April 12, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Mr. Thornton will lie in repose one hour prior to the service.

Corey graduated from Opelika High School Class of 1994 where he excelled in football and track and field. He later attended Miles College and pledged Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Corey received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science. Upon graduating from Miles College, he began a teaching and coaching career that included stops at Smiths Station High School, Russell County High School and finally at Lafayette High School where he coached the Bulldogs for over thirteen years. During this time, Coach Corey was the boy’s and girl’s head track and field coach where he led the team to three state titles and four runners-up.

He leaves to cherish his memory: two children, Shakiya Thornton and Jakori Thornton both of Opelika, AL; mother, Mattie (Ceffia) Holloway of Opelika, AL; father, Joe Lewis Thornton of Opelika, AL; one brother, Tyferio (Shala) Doolittle of Opelika, AL; one sister, Amelia Doolittle of Opelika, AL; godmother, Mary Driver of Opelika, AL; eight aunts, Alice Faye Chambers of Atlanta, GA, Eva Nell Thornton, Diane Thornton, Catherine Walker, Cynthia Johnson, Martha Dunn, Gwendolyn (Tracey) Lockhart and Tammy (Tyrone) Thomas all of Opelika, AL; four uncles, Jerry (Ruby) Thornton of Loachapoka, AL, Robert (Cynithia) Thornton, Rodney (Darline) Doolittle both of Opelika, AL and Tyrone (Carla) Thornton of Villa Rica, GA; one niece, MiAngel Williams; one nephew, Jerell Doolittle; a special cousin, Dewayne Thornton; four special friends, Dwight McCall, Derrick Baker, Jeremy (Toya) Sanders and Tony Bedell; a host of great aunts, great uncles, cousins and friends.

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Corey was an awesome man. Touched the life of many. My prayers and condolences go out to his family as you navigate this life without him. I am positive he was a guiding force. R. Wright

My heart is heavy but God does no wrong. My thought and prayers to the Thornton family. I've known Corey for a long time as a friend, frat brother, and Coworker. May those touched by his loving heart be healed. My prayer for God to strengthen and comfort the family and friends.
You will be missed. BluPhi Daisy

Corey you was such a very nice young respectful man you always showed respect whenever we saw each other and I thank your parents for that so rest on my love until we meet again one day keep that beautiful smile waiting on me.With Deeply Sympathy to the Thornton Family, may God continue to bless yall.

Corey you will be truly missed. I'm so proud of the man you grew up to be and all your accomplishments. I will be praying for the family. My deepest condolences Anneka and family Birmingham,Al

Corey I pray that you rest in peace. I know you will be truly missed and I will be praying for the family.

May the Prince of Peace himself, Jesus Christ give you comfort and strength to make it through your grief.
Leigh Best and Family, Oxford Alabama

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. We pray God gives you Strength and Peace. Jacqueline Smith & family.

Corey - You were an amazing man who has left a void in the lives of many. I pray you realize how important you are to all of us. I will miss you, immensely! Continued prayers for your family and friends. - Precious

God has gain another great angel in Heaven. My grandchild you taught track at Lafayette High School will miss you. Nyria spoke of you being so nice to them as their coach. They will miss you very much. But God plan was for you to come home and rest in Heaven. You have finish your race down here. So God needed you to come home and get your crown for the work down here. Your memories will forever live in the hearts you touched at Lafayette High School. R.I.P. Nyria Lee and family LHS Bulldogs .

Sending sympathy and prayers to the Thornton Family. May God wrap you in his loving arms through this difficult time.
Patrick, Cynthia Jadalyn, and Shandrea Story

I taught in the classroom across the hall from coach Thornton for years. I haven't known a finer man. The world is a worse place with his absence. Dan Bass

Fly with the Angels Corey and you will be missed. James Driver and family.

Send prayers the the Thornton family coach are going to miss during football and basketball season may god be you all doing this time of bereavement The Carter Family

RIP

The best coach ever 🫶🏽

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Thornton family, to be absent in the flesh, is to be present with the Lord. Rest In Peace, John & Barbara Thomas

He is such a peaceful soul, never judgmental or rude. We would hug and laugh as if we saw each other last week. The world need to have more men like him. Family, please know you have the prayers of our family. We pray for your comfort, for your understanding and your strength to simply stand.... Tonya Strickland & The Pitts Family

I will miss you dearly my young "Big Brother ". Your smile, your hugs, your singing will always be etched in my heart. Love you Corey❤️❤️💔🎉

Prayers and a healing for the THORNTON FAMILY. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU. Love you. Dulcey Blow

"I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Your loved one was a special person who made a positive impact on many lives.

To the Thornton family. Sending healing prayers and comfort during this time of bereavement. You are in our prayers. Ingram and Shirley Lilly, Opelika, AL

My prayers are with the family Corey was such a great guy his humble and loving ways will be missed around the city - Nasha Samuel-

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

Harris Funeral Home, Inc. | Opelika, AL