William Thomas Thornton Sr.

April 21, 1935 - January 1, 2021

North Augusta, SC—Graveside Services for Mr. William Thomas Thornton, Sr., 85, who entered into rest January 1, 2021 will be conducted Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock in Pineview Memorial Gardens. Rev. Richard Smith, Dr. Harold Herd and Rev. Roy Kiser officiating. The service will be streamed live on the Posey Funeral Directors Facebook Page. Mr. Thornton was born in Michigan, grew up in Toledo, OH, was a former resident of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and then finally made North Augusta his home for the past 42 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and master’s from Vanderbilt University. Mr. Thornton worked as a health physicist for the United States Department of Energy, first in Oak Ridge, TN and later at the Savannah River Site. He was a talented pianist who shared his gift with others as a church musician. Over the years he played at Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, First Baptist Church of North Augusta, Big Stevens Creek and Immanuel Baptist. Not only did he share this gift with the church, he taught his family how to play too. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of North Augusta and taught the Faithful Sunday School Class there. The time and energy spent preparing for teaching the Word of God is evidenced by a drawerful of notes found in his desk at home. Mr. Thornton was an active volunteer with Gideons International and the Augusta Rescue Mission, and he served consistently in the local prison ministering to the inmates for over a decade. While he enjoyed playing golf and tracking his favorite sports team, the Atlanta Braves, Mr. Thornton’s greatest love was his family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was a faithful prayer warrior, encourager and teacher. He and his wife Nancy knew that the time invested in family was invaluable and they created traditions to foster relationships with their children and grandchildren. The first way they did this was by hosting Sunday lunches at their home each week after church. In addition to this, they made sure 1 week every summer was set aside to be together. This yearly gathering grew into a reunion called “Partywave,” where the family retreated to Hilton Head Island for fun, rest and fellowship. The rest of the year, when he was not serving the church or in the various ministries mentioned above, he made time to support those he loved. Bill travelled near and far to support his grandchildren in whatever life event he could: from concerts, to sports games, to graduations and weddings. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Nancy Lawson Thornton; two sons, Tom (Caryn) Thornton, Carol Stream, IL and Tim (Jane) Thornton, North Augusta, SC; a daughter, Traci (Kyle) Smith, North Augusta, SC; 11 grandchildren, Megan (Aaron) Lynch, Katie Thornton, Kelly Thornton, Curtis Thornton, Nathan (Kimberly) Thornton, Kip Thornton, Abby Thornton, Taylor (Luke) Francis, Logan Smith, Luke Smith and Jack Smith. Pallbearers will be Curtis Thornton, Nathan Thornton, Kip Thornton, Luke Smith, Jack Smith and Luke Francis. The family will receive friends Monday afternoon from 4 until 6, under the oak tree at Posey Funeral Directors. Masks are required and social distancing will be practiced. Memorials may be made to Gideons International at www.gideons.org Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta is in charge of arrangements (803.278.1181). Visit the registry at www.POSEYCARES.com