John Hudson Thornton
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GULFPORT - Graveside services for John Hudson Thornton will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from the High Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Smith County under the direction of Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Forest. Rev. Glenn Hayman and Rev. Robert (Rob) Webb will officiate.
John Hudson Thornton, beloved husband, father and Papaw, age 94 of Gulfport, Mississippi joined his Lord and Savior on December 4, 2021.
John was born in Raleigh, Mississippi in 1927 to Steve and Mattie Thornton. John was the oldest of 7 siblings. He joined the US Army and following WWII served in Japan, assisting with the clean up as a member of the Infantry. He and his wife Lillian Batte Thornton started their life together when they married at the courthouse square in Forest Ms. They ran the Pure Oil service station in Raleigh, before moving to Gulfport. They enjoyed 73 years of marriage together. Once in Gulfport, John worked at the Faulkner Concrete Pipe Plant for 35 years as a plant manager before retiring. He truly enjoyed retirement as he was able to split his time between Gulfport and Raleigh for many years. During that time, he was able to share his love of the community where he grew up with his family, often spending summers and weekends there when his grandchildren were young. John was an active member of High Hill Baptist Church for many years where he served on the cemetery committee and as deacon. John was happiest when he was surrounded by family and friends and drew much pleasure from his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife: Mrs. Lillian Batte Thornton; two children: one devoted daughter: Theresa Richardson (Russell "Rusty") and one son: David Thornton; one son-in-law: William "Billy" Miller; five grandchildren: Melanie Korniotatkis, Ronald "Ronny" (Meghan) Richardson, Randall "Randy" (Marcella) Richardson, Sarah (Dan) Harden and Delaney Thornton; three great-grandchildren: Lillian "Lila" Richardson, Barrett Richardson and Rowan Richardson; one brother: Nathan Dale Thornton; one sister: Ruby Gaye (Vinson) McNeil and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by two daughters Cathy Miller and Deborah Gallant, his parents, and other siblings.
Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Dale Thornton, Randy Richardson, Ronny Richardson, Stacey McNeil, Geoffrey McNeil, and Joel Verdon.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations be made to the High Hill Cemetery Fund, c/o Ruby Gaye McNeil, 140 SCR 37-6 Raleigh, MS 39153.
The family would also like to thank the staff of Canon Hospice for their support during this time.