Franklin R. Thornton, Jr.

Winston-Salem 10/10/1944 – 12/4/2018 Mr. Franklin Reich Thornton, Jr. completed his earthly pilgrimage after a courageous fight with cancer. His strength, will, and hope are now a reality and he lives in the presence of all those we have lost previously. He was born in Winston-Salem, NC to Franklin Reich Thornton Sr. and Hazel Peddycord Thornton. Frank graduated from Northwest High School and was an Eagle Scout. He attended East Carolina University before enlisting into the United States Army. He proudly served his country in Vietnam, flying Medevac missions, and was a Purple Heart recipient.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his daughter; Meredith Freeman (Jeffrey) and their children William and Collins and his son; Zach Thornton (Crystal) and their children Liza and Luke, whom all brought tremendous joy to his life. He is also survived by the mother of his children; Cassie Z. Thornton, his siblings; Cheryl Kiger, John Thornton and Jane Campbell (Kent), along with his many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 15th at Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, 3543 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. A celebration of life will follow the service.

A special thank you to close friends and family members who surrounded him with support and love.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Ruffed Grouse Society (451 McCormick Road Coraopolis, PA 15108 or the American Cancer Society (P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123) in his memory. Otherwise, he would want you to remember him by doing something unexpected for anyone less fortunate or for a veteran this special holiday season.

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