In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by the wife of 58 years, Aliene G. Thornton and his sister, Peggy Gilbert.
He is survived by his son, Robert “Rob” T. Thornton, III. (Kelly) of Marietta Ga; daughter Martha T. Smith (Jim) of Newnan, Ga.; grandchildren, Taylor T. Buckley (Ryan), James E. Smith, Jr., Mary Carter Thornton, Peyton H. Smith, and Ransome T. Smith; great granddaughters, Reagan G. Buckley, Finley S. Buckley, and Quinlan F. Buckley; also numerous nephews, a niece and cousins.
Bob graduated from Martinsville High School and served in the United States Army. He worked as the manager of the local A&P Grocery Store for many years, as well as being employed by Pannill Knitting Company and Sara Lee Corporation.
As a member of Chatham Heights Baptist Church he served as a Deacon, Chairman of the Brotherhood and was an active member of various other committees. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, Lions Club, VFW, Big Brothers and Forest Park Country Club.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2018 at Chatham Heights Baptist Church. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018 with Reverend Mike Hatfield officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chatham Heights Baptist Church, 1235 Chatham Heights Road, Martinsville, VA 24112.
Arrangements are by McKee-Stone Funeral Home-Martinsville, VA
To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
