Tommy Thornton

Amory – Tommy Thornton, 49, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2016, at his residence. Born on September 19, 1966, in Amory, he was a son of the late Thomas Sherman Thornton, Sr., and Mavis Patricia “Pat” Johnson Thornton.

Tommy was a graduate of Amory High School, Class of 1984, and attended ICC. While growing up, Tommy mowed yards. Known as a hard-worker, he worked as a butcher at Sunflower until going to work with his dad in 1981, at Sherm’s Marine Service. A member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Tommy attended Grace Fellowship Baptist Church.

Insanely optimistic and funny, Tommy was an outdoorsman who loved being on the water in the Summers. Having a great love for his family, he cherished every moment and making great memories with his girls. Tommy taught his girls how to ski and took them hunting and fishing. One who was always smiling and sometimes stubborn, he was very encouraging and supportive of his girls. A great friend to many, Tommy always looked forward to going to “Duck” Camp with his close friends. Having a huge heart, he was always giving to help people, whether it be to St. Jude, the Shawna Gray Fishing tournament, or bartering and trading with his customers. Tommy was a volunteer with Monroe County Search and Rescue.

He was a member of the Wild Turkey Federation, Wildlife and Fisheries, and a huge supporter of Ducks Unlimited. Tommy enjoyed reading anything; working with his hands and building things; relaxing in the hot tub; and Adam Sandler comedies and movies. He was a huge MSU fan. A Mark Martin NASCAR fan, he would entice his girls with cookies to cheer for his favorite driver. Tommy enjoyed 80’s Rock and Old Country music. When he wasn’t listening to music, he listened to Sports Talk programming on the radio and had a gifted knowledge of all sports stats. Known for his ability to quote most movies, Tommy will be forever remembered by his favorite quote, “It’s All Good.” He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his daughters, Olivia Hope Blassingame (Alex), Brandon; Shelby Noel Thornton, Florence, AL; Claire Elise Thornton, Amory; grandson, Jackson Blassingame; sister, Susan Hathcote (Louis), Amory; brother, Michael Thornton (Linda), Amory; nieces and nephews, who called him “Gruncle,” Katelyn Thornton; John Hathcote (Heather); Jamie Houston (Chad); Mary Bishop (Chad); great-nieces and nephews (“great-gruncle”), Andrew and Brady; Eli, Will and Lillie Kate; Jolie and Graham; uncles, Bill Johnson (Betty), Valrico, FL; Dwight Johnson (Hilda), Amory; Paul Johnson (Judy), Hollandale.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an uncle, Dr. William T. Thornton.

His Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory, with Bro. Danny Burks and Rev. Brian Gordon officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Evans, Kirk Hodo, Glenn Smith, T. W. Sanderson, Michael Wayne Pearson, David Boyd, Todd Flaherty, and Timmy Pickle.

Memorials may be given to St. Andrews UMC, PO Box 535, Amory, MS 38821; St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Ducks Unlimited Memorials, Amory Chapter, 1 Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.