Billy Coleman Thornton

Funeral services for Mr. Thornton will be 11:00 AM, on Saturday, August 23, 2014 in Edgewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby 4071 Macon Road Columbus. Pastor Mark Brown will officiate, with interment to follow in Parkhill Cemetery.

Visitation for Mr. Thornton will be from 5-7 PM, on Friday, August 22, 2014 at the funeral home.

Mr. Thornton was born on March 21, 1935 in Cottondale, Florida to the late David Byron Thornton and Minnie Downing Thornton. In addition to his parents, Mr. Thornton was preceded in death by three sisters: Edna Horton Cutchin, Ernestine Thornton Cutchin, and Lucille Thornton.

Mr. Thornton was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed singing, playing and listening to blue grass gospel music, and playing the guitar, mandolin, and other instruments. He had a great love for his church family where he was a member of the Maranatha Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Rachel Atkins Thornton, three daughters: Alison Thornton Levson and her husband Loren; Kelli Thornton Williams and her husband Ronnie; and Tracy Thornton Obert. He is also survived by one brother, Charles Byron Thornton and his wife June; eight grandchildren: Aric Ogletree, Luther Land, Amanda Berdeaux, Troy McGowan, Megan McGowan, Tim Obert, Brad Obert, and Cole Obert; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Otis.

Flowers and online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com