Michael Lee Thornton

THORNTON, Michael Lee, 62, passed away on December 14, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Lurelia, two daughters, Jil Davis (Brooks) and Taylor Johnson (Robert), two stepdaughters, Frances Creasey (Adam) and Rhonda Acosta (Angelo), his cherished grandchildren, Bellamy, Taylor, Kyle, Zane, Logan, and Molly, his sister Deborah (Cliff), his brother-in-law, Binh, and multiple nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Phillip and Amelia Thornton and his sister, Tamara Ngo. Mike graduated from J.R. Tucker High School in 1979. Then, immediately began his 30+ year employment at Philip Morris and trained as one of their Fire Safety & First Responders. Mike served as the Project Leader & Instructor of South Anna 4-H Shooting Sports and was an NRA Certified Instructor. He was a skilled woodworker, decoy maker, and gunsmith (owner of Thornton’s Gun Service) and a fan of Robert Frost, Christmas, Rudolph, and Theodore Roosevelt. He had a brilliant mind and the heart of a servant. He loved exercising his abilities and passions for the greater good of others. An avid nature enthusiast, he loved spending time in the woods, hunting, camping, and fishing and hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Mike knew how to enjoy the simpleness of life such as long walkabouts and his trust in God but also knew how to make some noise and stir up trouble. He was naturally optimistic, and you always knew when he was in the room by his signature laugh and his loud, exuberant personality. He was a loving son, a devoted husband, a wonderful brother, an admirable father, and everybody’s friend. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following organizations: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, American Heart Association, or McKendree United Methodist Church (PO Box 254 Manquin, VA 23106). A memorial will be held January 8, 2022, at 3pm at the King William Ruritan Club (156 Ruritan Lane King William, VA 23086). 

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