Robert Donald Thornton, Sr.

Mr. Robert Donald Thornton, Sr., 82 of Patterson, passed away early Friday morning, February 10, 2023, at Memorial Satilla Health.

Born in Patterson, GA on March 31, 1940, he had lived in Pierce County most of his life.  He was a retired salesman for Reformed Products and devoted many years to coaching different sports in Pierce County.  In his younger years he had enjoyed fishing and hunting.  Mr. Thornton learned to play the guitar at 8 years old and never stopped.  He was a prolific songwriter and would go on to form the Revelators Band.  Mr. Thornton had been a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for many years before joining Pine Grove Baptist Church a few years ago.  He gave everything he had to his church and church family.  Mr. Thornton was also very devoted to his children having taken on two boys and kept them under his wing.  He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

He was a son of the late Felton Hamilton & Annabelle Taylor Thornton.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Annette Kimbrell Thornton; his sister, Elaine Barber; and his brother, Larry Thornton.

Survivors include his four children, DeWayne & Jamie Crisp of Patterson, Tim Crisp of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Robby & Brenda Thornton of Patterson, and Scott Thornton of Offerman; a sister-in-law, Janice Thornton of Blackshear; 8 grandchildren, Whitney (Andrew) Davis, Sydney (Josh) Tyson, Neal (Michelle) Crisp, Samantha Thornton, Scotty Thornton, Caroline Crisp, Taylor (Colt) Thornton, and Robbie Thornton; 8 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Thornton will be held Monday morning, February 13, 2023, at 11:00 o’clock from the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Adam Walker officiating. 

Active pallbearers will be Robbie Thornton, Kerry Thornton, Garrett Thornton, Robert Dixon, Joey Taylor, and David Taylor.

Interment will be in the Offerman Cemetery.

Visitation for Mr. Thornton will be held Sunday evening from 6 until 8 at the funeral home.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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