I got to know Mr. Melvin while he was doing contract work at Orchard View Skilled Nursing. I was responsible for processing his check payments after he completed a job. I was amazed to see him climbing up a ladder to perform a task while in his eighties. As you enter the Williams Rd entrance to Orchard View, the 1st thing you see on the right is a shed Mr. Melvin built by himself, and the work was high quality. He was always friendly and always had a kind word. My condolences to his family, and to Mr. Melvin, "Well done Thy good and faithful servant ".

My sincere condolences to you and your family Mrs Kathryne Thornton and Lee Thornton and all of the families and friends who knew this kind man.god gained a special angel.sending lots of love and prayers and strength and comfort and peace during this time.

Melvin was many things to many people but I knew him best as Paw.  I will always remember how much he loved his family and loved his grandkids! I am blessed to have so many years of memories with him and that my kids got that as well. 

Thinking of you Granny, Lee, Will, Clint, Josh, and all of the great grandkids and other family. A man who was so important to so many leaves a void and he will be missed greatly. ❤️

Uncle Melvin was my Great Uncle. And what a GREAT MAN he was. He was a genuine, hard working, God fearing man. He Loved his family with passion and took great pride in them! He was a bit quiet but he was direct with his advice and kind words. He was small in stature but was a huge man and had hands like catchers mits from many, many years of using them. I believed he could have sanded hardwood with just his hands and no sand paper! He always had good advice and that advice always came back to doing right by your family. There was no doubt that his family was the center of his world and his heart! He lived a good life full of love and compassion for others. There is no doubt the Lord had a smile on his face and open arms when Uncle Melvin showed up in Heaven. 
Well done Uncle Mevin! WELL DONE!!!
With Love and Gratitude, 
Until we see each other again,
Charlie Fairbairn

 Visitation for Family and Friends

Celebration of Life Funeral Service

Interment

John Yancey Thornton

Glennie Graham Jenkins

Patricia Gail Thornton

Rochelle McCullough

Frankie Thornton

Barney Jenkins

Kathryne McPeters Thornton

Lee Thornton, Jr

Will Thornton

Clint Thornton

Josh Thornton

Cameran Thornton

Caden Thornton

Jaycee Thornton

Jagger Thornton

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Phenix City

Melvin Thornton

immediate need

Death has occurred or is near

plan ahead

Pre-plan a funeral or cremation

Plan a Funeral or Cremation Default Desktop

Find Obituaries and Services

Send Flowers

sympathy and etiquette

grief library

celebrations of life

What to Say When Someone Dies

Show Your Support

Sympathy and Grief

obituary

services

memories

Obit Detail

In the care of

share to facebook

share by email

share link

Share Obituary

ideas and resources

Sympathy and Grief Mobile

OBITUARY

Melvin Lee Thornton

12 June, 1937 – 18 April, 2025

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Phenix City

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services