Thornton Washington Lewis

Thornton Washington Lewis, a native of Neely, MS and longtime resident of Wilmer, AL, passed away peacefully in his home on December 23rd, 2022, at the age of 87. Thornton was born on July 17th, 1935, as the eighth child of sixteen of Jordan and Jessie Lee Lewis.

He was blessed with 60 wonderful years of marriage to his loving wife, Mary Catherine Street Lewis. He is survived by his wife; four children, Rosalie Settles (Jim), Keith (Peggy), Renee Lursen (Patrick), and Rashel Magniez (Chris); three sisters, Jewel Ingram, Marion Gardner, and Vera Mason; five brothers, JD, James, Mack, Steve, and Ralph; six grandchildren, Skyler, Scarlett (Brett), Rocky, Dylan, Mary Beth, and Daniel; one great granddaughter Luna; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ida, Ike, and Nita; and brothers Joe, Bill, Ellis, and Clifton.

He worked as an automotive mechanic at Johnson Chevrolet in Mobile, AL. Following his service in the military from 1958 - 1960, he returned to Johnson Chevrolet where he met Mary Catherine, and the two married in 1961. Throughout the remainder of his career, he performed various mechanic, machinist, and agricultural functions.

Thornton passed along many traits such as his practical and technical prowess, his diligent work ethic, and especially his many quips and “PawPaw-isms” to his children, grandchildren, and all those around him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the hour of the Mass. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery West. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.