Roger W. "Buddy" Thornton

Roger W. Thornton (Buddy), of Hendersonville, Tennessee was called home on Wednesday September 4, 2019 at the age of 75. After many close calls over the years, he ended his journey in the comfort of his own home alongside his beloved wife, Peggy J. Thornton.

Buddy was born on Wednesday, October 27, 1943 at Mare Island Naval Base in Vallejo, California to Dorothy Polk (Momma Dot) and Roger Bob Thornton (Daddy Bob). As a boy he lived an active lifestyle and yearned to be outdoors exploring. He was a proud member of the Boy Scouts, American troop number 26. He enjoyed wildlife and would often stop to feed and friend any critter that scampered up. This continued well into his adult and senior years. Often he would sit in his garage and feed peanuts to the squirrels and watch the birds as they flew to his feeders, his favorite being hummingbirds.

One of his most rewarding jobs was working as a farm hand where he was able to teach his grandchildren the basics of animal care. He enjoyed bottle feeding the calves and tending to the land. His hardworking nature often resulted in long hours but he considered that extra bonding time for him and the kids. He also worked in the music industry and as a superintendent for Chase Construction Company in his later years.

In 1974 he married the love of his life, Peggy Thornton and provided a home for her and her son, Kenny Bain. From that moment on Buddy claimed Kenny as his own, and was proud to have son. He was also a proud father of a beautiful daughter from a previous marriage, Laura Oliver, and helped guide and raise his niece, Denise Richards. He gladly embraced the father role to anyone who needed it, children lit up of his life and gave him a purpose.

He often instilled wisdom, compassion, and love into those who needed it the most. His loving and non-judgmental nature made him an excellent source to seek comfort and advice from. He always welcomed everyone with a hug and unconditional love. He was easy to talk to and always made you feel your value, even when you felt you didn’t have any left. He was the type of guy who would put himself last to see you happy.

His last wishes were for not for his family to grieve for him, but for us to lift up the spirits of his wife. He cared so much for her. He wished her and his family a lifetime of happiness, even after he left. His caring nature will always be remembered and if thou shall choose he will love us even after death.

Buddy is survived by his beloved wife: Peggy Thornton, his sister: Carol McMann, his brother-in-law and his wife: Dennis and Paulette Gregory, his sister in law and her husband: Vallie and Michael Rojas, his sister in law and her husband: Beverly and Jim Palazzo, his son and his wife: Kenny and Patricia Bain, his daughter and her husband: Laura and Al Oliver, his surrogate daughter: Denise Richards, 7 grandchildren and their spouses: Jayme and James Bess , Jessie and Todd Camp, Jenny and Joey Bridenbaugh, Mary Ali Oliver, Anna Oliver, Ry’ann and Tyler Sterban, and Adyson Brown, 4 great grandchildren: Jordayn Bain, Serenity Bess, Salem and Asher Sterban, and many nieces and nephews all of which he loved and touched deeply.

Please join us in a celebrating his life Sunday afternoon, September 8, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1150 South Dickerson Rd Goodlettsville, TN 37072. Visitations are Saturday, September 7 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Sunday, September 8, 2019 from 12:00 until 2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Wildlife Foundation or Boy Scouts of America in his name.