Richard Thornton

Hatley - Richard Gene Thornton, 61, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2017 at North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, MS. Born in Amory, MS, on March 10, 1955, he was a son of the late Jowill Miller and Curtis Thornton.

Richard graduated with the Amory High School Class of 1974. He married Malinda Ritter Thornton on June 13, 1980 and together they were blessed with a son, Jack. First and foremost, he loved the Lord and he attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Richard was an ordained minister and he really enjoyed preaching every month to the residents at Golden Living Nursing Center. Richard liked reading and studying the word of God.

In his free time, he loved to be outdoors, fishing and eating his catch. Gospel Music always put a smile on his face and when he sung in the choir, he always glorified God. A loving man, Richard was a devoted husband and father to his family. Friends and family will miss Richard but all that knew him, know that he is now singing praises in heaven.

He is survived by his wife, Malinda, Hatley; son, Jack Thornton, Hatley; sisters, Doris Thompson (David), Mooreville, Joyce Roden, Maryland, Jean Crosby (Bobby), Amory, Kathleen Neely, Mansfield, TX, Dorothy Parish, Amory, Rachel Capel, Amory; brothers, Donnie Garner (Cindy), Wren, James Walters (Joan), New Albany.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Ashcraft.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 4:00 PM at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, MS with Bro. Ben Loveless officiating

Visitation will on Thursday afternoon, January, 12, 2017, from 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the funeral home.

Condolences and memories may be shared with his family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.