Jerry O.Thornton, 86, of Madison left his earthly body 18 August 2021 with Janis at his side and is whole again after bravely battling a stroke and dementia since 2010. He was a devoted husband, Daddy, Pop-Pop and friend. His love for life and all living things were an inspiration. He was an avid reader and enjoyed sunshine, gardening, fishing and making memories with daughter Molly and his two grandsons Clay and Jonah. He loved spending time on his farm, stocking the ponds, planting fruit and pecan trees, wandering through the woods and trying to get a lone goat understand to hang around and keep the grass cut for him. Jerry enjoyed listening to bluegrass, country, soft rock and Elvis’ music and dancing like no one was watching. The lives he touched will forever be enriched. A private memorial was held at Laughlin Service Funeral Home and Crematory on 19 August 2021. We are planning burial in Arlington National Cemetery.
Jerry grew up in Huntsville and joined the Air Force at 17 in Montgomery, Alabama. He was stationed in Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam and the USA as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist, Munitions Disposal Technician, Munitions – Handler Foreman and participated in military training films. He served in the Vietnam War (EOD) and retired from the Air Force. After his military retirement he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Athens State University and retired from Redstone Arsenal as a course writer and instructor of Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
Jerry was born in Huntsville, Alabama and was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas and Wilna Lois Roper Thornton and his brother, Tommy Glen Thornton.
Jerry is survived by wife, Janis Roper Thornton; daughter, Molly Thornton Routon; grandsons, Clayton Charles (Andrea) Routon and Jonah James Thomas Routon; their father, Charles Wayde Routon; great-grandsons, River Routon and Jasper Smith; sister, Joyce (Kim) McAllister of Hendersonville, Tennessee; mother-in-law, Dorothy Cagle Roper; nieces, nephews and a very special devoted loving caregiver, Audrey.
A special thank you to all of our precious sweet nurses and caregivers too many to mention by name at Floyd E. “Tut” Fann Veterans Home, G-Wing Memory Unit. You will be in our hearts and prayers forever.
Say not in grief: ‘He is no more’ but live in thankfulness, ‘That he was.’- Hebrew Proverb – Molly and Jonah
Pop-Pop was the kindness in everyone. – Clay
I’m……”Out In The Fields with God.” Poem Author Unknown – Janis
