Donna Gail Thornton Beech

July 19, 1951 – October 26, 2016

Donna Gail Thornton-Beech, 65, of Knoxville, Tennessee died October 26, 2016. Gail, beloved and devoted wife of Brady Beech, was preceded in death by both of her parents, A.B. (Buford) and Hattie Thornton as well as her grandparents, Jack and Florence Bailey and Hobert and Osta Thornton.

Gail died in Rome, Georgia, where she recently moved to be close to her husband’s family. Gail had the biggest heart and will be missed by many. Her husband, Brady Beech, her adored stepchildren Christopher Gray, his wife Diana and their children Henry and Amanda, and Kale Gray, his wife Rhyanne and their children Taryn, Carson and Gwen - all survive her. Cousins, in-laws and close lifetime friends also survive Gail and will greatly miss her.

After graduating from Tennessee Tech, Gail became a physical education teacher and devoted herself to the health and physical wellbeing of hundreds of students until her retirement several years ago. An avid reader, Gail enjoyed nothing more than a good book. She also loved Tennessee Volunteers Football, and attended as many games as possible with her father before he passed away.

In addition, Gail was a passionate animal lover and was preceded in death by canine family members Tasha, Rags, Katie and Buddy. Her beloved dogs Jenny, Winston and Cinci survive her.

Gail’s family will receive friends from 12:00- 1:00pm on Monday, November 7, 2016 at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 Adair Drive, Knoxville, Tn 37918. The funeral service will begin at 1:00PM in the chapel. Gail will be laid to rest in Lynnhurst Cemetery following a graveside prayer. Condolences may be offered at www.berrylynnhurst.com