Thomas L. Thornton, 93, Muscle Shoals, Alabama, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Colbert Memorial Chapel. The service will be on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Washington Park Baptist Church. The body will lie in State from 12-1pm. The burial will follow in Colbert Memorial Gardens. Officiating the service will be Snyder Turner, Robert “Bunky” Smith and Thomas’ grandson, Christopher Fowler.
Thomas was born on August 28, 1933. He graduated from Sheffield High School in 1951.
On his 18th birthday, he married the love of his life, Mildred Roden Thornton. They recently celebrated their 75th anniversary with family.
He served in the Army from 1954-1956, in Osaka, Japan. He was proud to have served his country.
Thomas loved God and his family. In 1969, he answered God’s call into ministry. He faithfully served in the ministry for 57 years. During that time, he pastored several churches. At the time of his death, he was serving as pastor of Abbie Baptist Church.
He retired from Reynolds Alloys Company in 1994.
He loved to learn. Thomas continued his education into his late 80’s.
Helping others was always a daily mission. He was a shepherd and took care of everyone else before himself.
Throughout his life he enjoyed woodworking, riding his motorcycle, camping, and giving $2.00 bills to any child he met.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas & Maggie Thornton; sisters Evelyn Christison, Lillie Mae Thornton, Mary Fendley; brothers, Ed Thornton, Dale Thornton; son in law Carl McDonald; and great grandson, Trayce Thompson.
He is survived by his wife of 75 wonderful years, Mildred Roden Thornton; daughters, Vanessa Fowler (Jeff) and Leanne McDonald; grandchildren, Christopher Fowler (Jana), Courtney Aday, Seth McDonald; and 9 great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Randy Davenport, Robert McKinney, Tommy Miller, Melvin Burns, William Burns, Wesley Roden, Pat Fuller, Jim Thornton, and David Thornton.
The family gives a special thanks to the medical staff at NAMC.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Abbie Baptist Church building Fund.
