Obituary for Donald “Don” Thornton

Donald “Don” Thornton, Age 69 of Pulaski, Virginia died Tuesday, May 29, 2018 due to a tractor accident at his home. Born December 27, 1948 in Radford, he was the son of the late James Isaac Thornton and Iva Annie Cressel Thornton. He was also preceded in death by his only son Donald Andrew “Andy” Thornton II and step-son Roger Douglas “Doug” Lyons and sister, Brenda Gail Thornton Wilson.

He was retired from Radford Army Ammunition Plant after 19 years of service.

He is survived by his wife Lora Melvin Lyons Thornton of Pulaski. Daughters, Tammy Annette Thornton Mock (Tony) of Arlington and April DeLane Thornton Montgomery of Pulaski; step-daughters Kerry Lyons Montgomery of Dublin and LaDonna Lee Lyons of Snowville; Brothers, James Allen Thornton Sr. (Connie) of Pulaski and John Franklin Thornton (Cindy) of Dublin. 13 Grandchildren, Special Grandson Justin Gravley, Shayne Gravley, Whitney Tolley, Holly Akers, Megan Montgomery, Andi Montgomery, Devon Thornton, Kasey McCambridge, Brad Montgomery, Jamey Dalton, Alex Dalton, Josh Damron and Austin Cole. 7 great-grandchildren, Melanie Gravley, Emery Gravley, Luna Gravley, Kaden McCambridge, Levi Damron, Sophia Damron, and Hope Montgomery. Several nieces and nephews with special thanks to nephew Danny Wilson for all you have done for “Unc”.

Close friends included Alan Peoples, Kelsey Duncan, Perry Reese, Rick Hoback, Jim Phibbs, Charlie Hull, and Mark Montgomery. A mentor to many, comedian to all, jack of all trades, and mischievous to the end.  He was doing what he loved most at his last moments and that was on his tractor outside “piddling” as he would say.

Funeral Services will be conducted Sunday 2:00 P.M. at Bower Funeral Chapel, Pulaski with Rev. Darlene Marshall officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin. The family will receive friends Sunday at 1:00 P.M. at Bower Funeral Chapel, Pulaski. Visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the family. Bower Funeral Chapel, Pulaski is handling arrangements for the family.