May 1, 1941 – Jan. 20, 2014

NATCHEZ— Services for Willie Thornton Jr., 72, of Natchez, who died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, at his residence, will be 10 a.m. today at Morgantown Baptist Church with the Rev. Dennis Ellingburg officiating.

Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Mr. Thornton was born May 1, 1941, in Lincoln County, the son of Willie Thornton Sr. and Lora Mae Glover Thornton.

He retired from Armstrong-Pirelli tire plant. He was a member of United Steel Workers Local 303 L, Washout Hunting Club and Morgantown Baptist Church.

He was co-organizer and co-founder of the men’s softball league in Natchez. He was an avid outdoorsman and contributed to many other areas of recreation youth and adults. He always enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports.

Mr. Thornton was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Helen Price Thornton; two sons, Wade Thornton of Natchez and Gary Thornton of Vidalia; one daughter, Tammy Wheeler and husband, Mike, of Vidalia; seven grandchildren, Ron Watts and wife, Erin, Lindsey and Mallory Wheeler, Katlyn, Will, Maecee and Colson Thornton; two great-grandchildren, Clayton and Tanner Watts; two brothers, Bo Thornton and wife, Pat, of Vidalia and Harold Thornton of Colorado; and a number of nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers will be Brian Hall, Donnie Hall, Adam Gwin, Shot Gwin, Matt Simonton and Ron Rushing.

Honorary pallbearers will be Russ Simonton, Ronnie Rushing, Walter Havard, Sonny Gwin, Joe Steadman, Jackie Lofton, Sammy Cauthen and Gene Simonton.

Online condolenes may be made to lairdfh.com.