Melvin Eugene "Pat" Thornton

Melvin Eugene “Pat” Thornton passed away March 30, 2017, at the age of 91. Visitation will be Sunday, April 2, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Life will follow with Rev. Taylor Todd officiating.

Mr. Thornton was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice B. and Lottie Walker Thornton, and his brother, Ray Thornton.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Virginia Thornton; son, John (Larkin) Thornton; Daughter, Vicki Thornton(Ronnie) Dukes; grandchildren, Matt Dukes (Leah), Meg Tanner (Weston), Emily Thornton, Henry Thornton, Virginia Thornton, and Stuart Thornton; and four great-grandchildren.

Pat was born and raised in Decatur, growing up in the West Town section of Decatur. There was a tennis court across the street from his house and he became a city champion tennis player in his youth. He attended Riverside High School but was drafted in his senior year into military service and served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He played football for Riverside as a 160-pound lineman and had been offered a scholarship to play in college but the War intervened. He came back from his service, finished the requirements for his diploma and later married Virginia Siniard from Rogersville. They were happily married for 67 years. In 1966, Pat joined First State Bank, a newly formed bank in Decatur where he worked until his retirement at age 62. He has a legion of former customers who readily recount their experiences about when Pat made them a loan when no other lender would. His family continues to hear stories from those friends and customers. Pat made it clear many times through the years that he was a banker because he wanted to help people and he proudly pointed out people and/or businesses that he did help. After retirement, he became a full-time golfer at Burningtree Country Club, playing 5 days a week weather permitting, a hobby he enjoyed until his late 80's The friendships he established during those years continued until his death. Pat and Virginia have been active members of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 45+ years. The role that made Pat most proud was that of father, grandfather and, in recent years, great grandfather. He always had time for his family and he always had a look of pure joy and excitement when he was with them. Pat had a long and happy life. He worked hard, he played hard and he loved his family most of all.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and friends. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tom Flowe and Burningtree Retirees.

Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church-801 Jackson St. SE Decatur, AL 35601 and The Community Free Clinic-245 Jackson St. SE Decatur, AL 35601.

Arrangements under the direction of Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, Decatur, AL.