George M. "Chuck" Thornton III

Chuck was the son of the late George and Juanita (Angell) Thornton. Born in Alexandria, VA, he was a graduate of Stone Mountain High School in Stone Mountain, GA, and went on to spend 35 years as a machine operator with Jarden Industries (formerly Shakespeare) before retiring.

Chuck is survived by the true pride and joy of his life, his son, George "Dawson" Thornton; his beloved sister, Gina Thornton (Kirby Klotz), of Edisto, SC; and his partner of more than 30 years, Katherine Yandle Thornton. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Marlene MacEldon Yandle; his brother-in-law, Eddie Yandle (Shanna); his sister-in-law, Sheri Yandle Robinson; his nieces, Marlene Robinson, Blakeley Yandle Crowley (Jack), and Dawson Yandle, all of Columbia; and his cherished aunt and uncle, Carol and Linwood Wilcox, of Richmond, VA, along with their children and grandchildren, Chuck's cousins. Chuck very recently became a great-uncle for the first time with the birth of Elizabeth Collins Crowley, a joy he was so excited about. Chuck adored his nieces and nephews and took great delight in every one of their accomplishments and life events, always cheering them on with pride. Chuck was preceded in death by his brother, David Thornton.

There was nothing Chuck loved more than being a dad. He was Dawson's coach when he was little and his biggest fan as he grew up, and the two of them shared a love of golf, beaches and beagles. Chuck took pride in every single thing about his son, who was, without question, his best friend. In more recent years, Chuck happily took on a new role as #1 grandad and puppy-sitter to Dawson's fur-baby, Lucy.

Chuck also loved music, the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Falcons, a good round of golf, everything about fast cars, and simply spending time with the people he cared about. He found a second family in the men and women at Jarden, where his easy-going nature and ready smile made him a favorite among coworkers for over three decades.

Special thanks go to Gina and Kirby, whose home in Edisto, SC, became one of Chuck's favorite places on earth. Kirby was, in every sense that mattered, a brother to Chuck, and their bond made Edisto feel like home. Thanks to them, Chuck and Dawson frequently visited over the years, and it was there that Chuck made a whole new group of friends who were only too happy to hear his stories time and again. It was only fitting that his remains be scattered there, in the place that brought him so much joy.

Chuck had a true gift for making others smile and laugh and that warmth touched everyone who knew him.

Chuck was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.