William Thornton

William Thomas Thornton (Bill), 76, from Gordonsville, VA passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023.

Bill was predeceased by his daughter Heather, parents Archie and Virginia (Lester) Thornton, and brother Mark.

Bill is survived by his wife Janet (Lawson) of 55 years, sons Daniel (Amy) of Corzet, VA and Aaron (Zoi) of Dallas, TX and grandchildren Jackson, Eli, Camille, McKenna, Noah, and Lenna. Also, his sisters Brenda (John) Gess of Blacksburg, VA, Mary (Steve) Kane of Rock Hill, SC, Vicki (Bruce) Clark of Cape May, NJ, and sister-in-law Dianne Thornton of Roanoke, VA along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born in Richlands, VA, he graduated from Hurley High School and was an Eagle Scout from Troop 41, also located in Hurley. A 1969 graduate of the Newport News Ship Building Apprentice School, he retired from Newport News Shipyard after a distinguished 46-year career and enjoyed working for Collins Machine Works of Portsmouth, VA for two years during his retirement along with golfing, cruising, and walking in his neighborhood.

A devoted family man, Bill loved nothing more than his grandchildren’s games and shows, extended family vacations, Virginia Tech football tailgating, holidays, campfires, home cooked meals, and the joys of a good laugh. He was a good friend, and his friendship was shared by many at work, in the neighborhood, and on the golf course. Travel with family and friends was always special whether discovering a new local spot or checking off a bucket-list destination.

As a man of faith, Bill enjoyed sharing his love of Christ and using his gift of music with others. He enjoyed bible studies and since moving to Gordonsville, was a member of Beulah Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 12 Noon at Beulah Baptist Church, 1633 Kents Store Way, Kents Store, VA. In lieu of flowers donations in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project, or Shriner’s Hospital for Children.