Liberty, SC - Mr. Clarence W. "Jim" Thornton Jr., 85, of Liberty, South Carolina, loving husband of the late Ruth Chidsey Thornton, passed away peacefully in his sleep to meet his Savior Jesus Christ and Father God on August 18, 2023 at his residence.
Jim was born in Spencer, Ohio on October 6, 1937 to the late Clarence and Anna Dague Thornton. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1955 and shortly after married the love of his life Ruth Chidsey on February 4th, 1956. Together, they had five children, and celebrated a marriage of 51 years together before her passing. Jim and Ruth ran the “Jim and Ruth’s Save More Market” for 13 years, before he began working for Prudential Insurance, when they moved to Lorain, Ohio. After 25 years of selling insurance, he was able to retire at the age of 55, and following his retirement, they moved to Liberty, SC in 2003. Following the death of his beloved wife, he found company and love with Valaree Hino, who took care of him and David for the last 16 years with love and patience.
Jim is survived by his five children: Jim Thornton (Susan), Tim Thornton (Fran), David Thornton, Ann Boquette (Russ), and Lee Thornton (Tina); his 12 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren and one sister: Joann Pendleton.
In addition to his loving wife of 51 years, Jim was preceded in death by his two brothers: Gordon Thornton and Keith Thornton; and his three sisters: Janice, Eleanor and Lois.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:45 PM on Wednesday, prior to the services, at Dillard Funeral Home.
The family is at their respective homes.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
