Clayton A. Thornton

Clayton Aaron Thornton, 74, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away Thursday, September 22, 2011. He was born in Waycross, Georgia to Aaron G. Thornton and Sayde Gertrude Poppell. Clayton served in the United States Navy for 20 years and obtained the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He earned multiple awards and medals including the Bronze Star with combat valor. He also retired from Baptist Medical Center after 21 years of service. He was of the Baptist faith and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and friends.

He is predeceased by his wives Sandra Ann Miller; Mamie Lou Johns; son Bruce Green; daughter Marinthia McCoy; brother Richard C. Thornton; sisters Lee Whittaker and Judy Hargiss.

He is survived by daughters Terresa L. Simmons; Nila Tanicello sons Ronnie Green (Jacqueline); Joseph McCoy; Jamie Spencer; Larry “Rusty” Russell, Jr.; brother Joe G. Thornton; sisters Lucy “Butch” Griffin; Harriet Brown (Richard); many Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, September 30, 2011 with a military service at 6:30 PM. Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, October 1, 2011 all located at Town and Country Funeral Home. Burial will follow to Riverside Memorial Park.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Earl B. Hadlow Center for the Caring Hospice 4266 Sunbeam Road Jacksonville, Fl. 32257 in memory of Mr. Clayton Aaron Thornton.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home 7242 Normandy Blvd Jacksonville, Fl. 32205. www.townandcountryfuneralhome.com