On Monday, December 21, 2020, Elbert Ray Thornton, age 83, passed away at Cullman Regional Hospital. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home from 1:30-3:00 p.m.
A U.S. Navy veteran and long-time member of the Teamster’s Union, Ray returned to his hometown of Cullman in 2003.
Ray is survived by his wife, Melba Ann Purvis-Thornton; three brothers, Douglas (Irene) Thornton, Bryant (Alice) Thornton Jr.,and Lee Thornton; five daughters, Lisa Marie (Ed) Dillinger, Elizabeth Ann Thornton, Cynthia Rose Frankhauser, Melissa Catherine Thornton, and Theresa Elnora (James) Pruitt; stepson, Nathan Purvis; stepdaughter, Julie (Kevin) Stein; seven grandchildren, James R. (Jenny) Thornton, Bryan James, Loryn (Josh) Peace, William Tighe, Kyle (Bethany) Frankhauser, John James, and Luke Frankhauser; three great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.
