William Ervin Thornton

William Ervin Thornton, 82, of Wilmington, died Thursday, September 19, 2013, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter. Bill was born October 15, 1930 in Bentonville, NC, son of the late James M. Thornton and Fannie Hollingsworth Thornton. His wife, Leverna Gray Thornton, Brother, James Thornton, Jr., and a sister, Maggie Thornton, preceded him in death. Mr. Thornton retired with over 30 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Master Gunnery Sergeant having served during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam wars. "Wild Bill" was owner/founder of Country Music U.S.A. in 1978, now El Scorpion Night Club since 2002. He was a wonderful father and well respected man in the community. "We will miss you Bill". He is survived by three children, son, Michael W. Thornton of Surf City, NC, daughter, Karen L. Thornton (Billy Ray Hall), and son, Mark A. Thornton, all of Wilmington; two grandchildren, Michael Thornton II and Thadd A. Thornton; one great-granddaughter, Katherine Thornton; sister, Ester Wise (James), and his loving dog, "Peewee". The family will receive friends from 4pm to 6pm Sunday, September 22, 2013, at Andrews Valley Chapel. A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 2pm Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at Oleander Memorial Gardens with Pastor Paul Waters officiating. The family wishes to extend a special "thank you" to his daughter, Karen, and his other caregivers, Faye Ballard, Milli Walton, Michele Boney, and the staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made online or by mail to American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004.