James Lee Thornton, Sr., was born in Hart County, GA on July 29. 1944, to the late Otis C. Teasley and Thelma Thornton Smith and L.C. Smith. James was raised and nurtured by his Grandparents the late James Gene and Velma Merritt Thornton.
James was preceded in death by one daughter, Valerie Chatman. His beloved sister Claudette Smith Hood, brothers Gilbert, Lonnie, and Jimmy Smith.
He was a member of the Royston Grove Baptist Church (Royston, GA), where he joined at an early age. James retired from Blue Circle after 30 plus years of truck driving service.
On Saturday, August 24,2024, James answered GOD’s call to his Eternal Heavenly Home. James leaves all to cherish his most fond memories and all of whom were fortunate to bask in his infinite love. Many of James’s passions were cooking, he never met a stranger, always humble, and easy to love. James enjoyed life, laughing, and showing his enormous heart of love.
James leaves his wife of 49 years Mrs. Phyllis Chatman Thornton, the children that called him Daddy: Daughters: Ms. Kendra Thornton Jennings, Mrs. Phyllis (Charlie) McCloud (Jacksonville, FL) Sons: Mr. James Thornton, Jr, and Mr. Patrick (April) Thornton, Kenny Little (Royston, GA).
Some called him Daddy & some called him Poppa, but he always answered the call from His grandchildren: Ms. Kala Chatman & Ms. Paquasha Randolph, Ms. Jasmine Thornton, Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Darez Chatman, Mr. Patrick (PJ) Thornton, Mr. Jaylin Thornton, Mr. Sydney Thornton, Mr. Braxton Fortson, Ms. Aubrey Smith. His great grands: BranKyla, Kymauriae, Fuchure, London, Keelyn, Kingstyn Chatman, Dream, Kamden James (KJ) Thornton.
His Sisters: Mrs. Debra Little and Ms. Sharon Eades, (Hartwell, GA), his brothers: Bobby (Linda) Smith (Anderson, SC), Keith (Bridgett) Smith (Hartwell, GA). In-laws: Dorothy (Willie) Mize, Bessie Bush, Mary (Raymond) Lindsey, Teresa (Willie) Mayfield, (Gainesville, GA) Martha (James) Maddox (Lula, GA). And a host of Nieces, Nephews, other Relatives, Friends, whom he all loved.
“Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path GOD laid for me. I took HIS hand when I heard the call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Task left undone must stay that way. I found that place at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, ah yes, these things I too will miss! Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you sunshine tomorrow. My life’s been full, I’ve savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief! Lift up your heart and share with me… GOD wanted me now, HE set me free.”
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Antioch Baptist Church at 12:00 PM. The visitation will be held on Friday, August 30. 2024 between the hours of 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Family will receive friends between 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.
