Obituary for James “Allen” Thornton, Sr.

James “Allen” Thornton, Sr., age 79 of Radford passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at his home with his family. Born August 26, 1943 in Radford, Virginia he was the son of the late James Isaac Thornton & Iva Annie Cressell Thornton. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Gail Thornton Wilson and brothers, Donald Andrew and John Franklin Thornton.

Allen attended the Pulaski High School and the New River Vocational-Technical school, later named New River Community College. He then worked his whole life within the food and beverage industry. He was a general manager with Sim Wholesale in Lynchburg, Virginia before managing the Sunbelt Beer Company in Columbia, South Carolina.

He was an officer with the Virginia and South Carolina Beer Wholesalers Association, a former president of the Virginia Jaycees, a lifetime member of Ducks Unlimited and an exalted ruler with the Fraternal Order of Elks in South Carolina.

He is survived by his  

Wife of 59 years – Connie Murphy Thornton – Radford

Children – Allen (Shannon) Thornton, Jr. – Charleston, SC, Monica Colene Thornton Rich & special friend, John King – Radford

Grandchildren – Rachael Thornton, Sterling Thornton, Austin Rich, Garrett (Kaylie) Rich

Loving Niece – April Thornton

Many other nieces and nephews

Memorial services will be held 3:00 PM – Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Bower Funeral Home-Chapel, Pulaski.

The family will receive friends one hour before service time Saturday at the Funeral Home.

To sign Allen’s online guestbook, visit www.bowerfuneralhome.com

Bower Funeral Homes, Pulaski is handling the arrangements for the family.