Robert Donald Thornton Sr., 82, of Patterson, passed away early Friday morning, February 10, 2023, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross.
Born in Patterson March 31, 1940, he had lived in Pierce County most of his life. He was a retired salesman for Reformed Products and devoted many years to coaching different sports in Pierce County. In his younger years he had enjoyed fishing and hunting. He learned to play the guitar at eight years old and never stopped. He was a prolific songwriter and would go on to form the Revelators Band. He had been a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for many years before joining Pine Grove Baptist Church a few years ago. He gave everything he had to his church and church family. He was also very devoted to his children having taken on two boys and kept them under his wing. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.
He was a son of the late Felton Hamilton and Annabelle Taylor Thornton. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Annette Kimbrell Thornton; his sister, Elaine Barber and his brother, Larry Thornton.
Survivors include his four children, DeWayne and Jamie Crisp, Patterson, Tim Crisp, Mt. Pleasant, SC, Robby and Brenda Thornton, Patterson, and Scott Thornton, Offerman; a sister-in-law, Janice Thornton of Blackshear; eight grandchildren, Whitney (Andrew) Davis, Sydney (Josh) Tyson, Neal (Michelle) Crisp, Samantha Thornton, Scotty Thornton, Caroline Crisp, Taylor (Colt) Thornton and Robbie Thornton; eight great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13, from the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Adam Walker officiating.
Interment will be in the Offerman Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Robbie Thornton, Kerry Thornton, Garrett Thornton, Robert Dixon, Joey Taylor and David Taylor.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blacskhear is in charge of arrangements.
