Maxie was born in Raleigh, Mississippi, on April 20, 1933 to Leo and Melvin Thornton. He attended Raleigh High School and Millsaps College.
Maxie married his high school sweetheart, Jessie Walters, and in their 70 years of marriage had one daughter, Brenda. Shortly after Maxie and Jessie were married, he reported to Lackland Air Force Base, TX, and was stationed at Alexandria AFB, LA. He worked as an accountant and office manager for companies in the oil and gas drilling industry.
Maxie loved outdoor hobbies including golf, fishing (and occasionally catching), and hunting. He loved making people laugh and enjoyed coffee with his friends at Broadmoor and playing dominoes with the men at Lake Caroline. He was a do-it-yourselfer that refused help from anyone if he could do it himself. You could always find him around the house fixing something.
Maxie is survived by his wife, Jessie, and daughter, Brenda Van Velkinburgh (Michael) of Ridgeland. He was predeceased by siblings Mable Tillson, James (JB) Thornton, Bobby Thornton, and Ruth Wagner.
Visitation for Maxie will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Madison from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 12 with a graveside service for family to follow. The family is grateful for the care in a peaceful transition at St. Dominic and by Hospice Ministries. Memorial donations may be made to Christmas Village Foundation or to the ministry of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com for the Thornton family.
