Billy Joe Thornton

Billy Joe Thornton, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on February 9, 2023. He was born on November 12,1939 in Sylacauga, Alabama. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960, where he became an aircraft engine mechanic and enjoyed working on KC-97’s. He married his sweetheart, Melva Erck in 1959. They moved to South Houston and had three sons Dennis, David and Douglas. For eleven years he was a volunteer fireman for the city of South Houston. In 1977, he was extremely proud to start A&I Fastener and Supply Company and he worked very hard to make it a successful business. His legacy continues under the leadership of his two sons.

Billy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Melva; his brother, Tommy & wife Minnie; son David & wife Maria; son Douglas & wife Vanessa; his beloved grandchildren, Lauren & husband Chad Barber, Kevin & wife Kourtney Thornton, Amy & husband Joshua Camarillo, Cory Thornton; his precious great grandchildren, Ansley, Leighton, Makenna, Adalynn, Emma, Tate & Isla.

He is preceded in death by his son, Dennis; his parents, Harlola & Virginia Thornton; his siblings, William, James, Joyce and Carl.

Billy, our beloved “Papaw” will be dearly missed by his family and friends. We are very grateful for the love & care provided by Absolute Hospice—especially Claudia, Rachel, Alex and Debbie. A big thank you to Jenny, the Hospice Chaplain, for the prayers and support you provided our family. We would also like to thank our amazing caregivers who became a part of our family, Mary, Donna, Betty and Sarah.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be sent to The Alzheimer’s Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Friendswood Methodist.

A gathering will start at 9:00 am with a memorial service to follow at 10:00 am on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Forest Park East Funeral Home, located at 21620 Gulf Freeway in Webster, Texas. An inurnment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Thornton family.