Ray is survived by his children, Tracey Thornton, Bregitti Thornton Sumner (Tony), and Mark Thornton (Jan); stepdaughter Sherry Gilbreath; grandchildren, Alan Thomason (Jessica), Patrick Thomason, David Thomason (Heather), Spenser Sumner, Connor Sumner, Brenna Sumner, John Thornton (Miles) and Matthew Thornton; sisters, Pearlie Gravette and Bobbie Brasher; brothers, Roger Thornton (Wanda), Larry Thornton, and Jerry Thornton; many nieces and nephews; and six precious great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by wife and mother of his children, Loretta Faye Barber Thornton, and wife, Ann Baswell Thornton; his parents; and sister, Dixie May Thornton Meyer.
Joining at age 16, Ray proudly served in the United States Army as a member of the 101st Airborne Division serving in Germany. Later he joined the Alabama National Guard 20th Special Forces Group for the rest of his military career, retiring in 1991.
Anyone who knew Ray knew that he had a love for automobiles and motorcycles. He always drove a sporty car, and even dabbled at racing. His other passions included hunting and playing golf. If not in the woods, he could be found on the golf course with his friends at the Pell City Country Club.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 23, at 11am at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 1495 Wolf Creek Road North, Pell City, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Auburn First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 128 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830.
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