John Taylor Thorington died peacefully on November 4, 2023.
He was born September 26, 1930, in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Fletcher Thorington and Binnie Ruth Thorington.
He is survived by his brother, Rev. Fletcher Thorington, and by his children, John Thorington (Sherri) and Laura Bolan (Tommy). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jeffrey Bolan (Hollie), Greg Bolan (Katie), Bradley Bolan (Aubrey), Emily Thorington and Kate Thorington.
Taylor graduated from Phillips High School in Birmingham in 1948 and from Birmingham Southern College in 1952. He worked full time at the Alabama Gas Company from 1948-1952 during college. In 1952 he attended Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and from 1953 to 1956 served as LTjg aboard a Navy destroyer, the USS Dashiell. His ship participated in the Korean War and completed an around the world cruise.
In 1955, he married Martha (Marty) Schaier from Norwood, Massachusetts. They lived briefly in Newport before moving to Birmingham in 1956. Taylor worked at U.S. Pipe and Foundry Company in Birmingham from 1956-1969. In 1969 the Jim Walter Corporation acquired U.S. Pipe and Taylor was transferred to the Jim Walter headquarters in Tampa, where he retired in 1992. He was a member of several national and local organizations in the field of marketing, marketing research and economic planning. He also served with community organizations such as Junior Achievement, United Way and Little League. He and Marty immensely enjoyed leading nursing home Bible studies together.
First and foremost, Taylor was devoted to Almighty God, as his life was greatly influenced by the Christian upbringing he experienced through his mother, his three older siblings, and a special grandmother, Mrs. E.T. Glass. Because of his first devotion to the Lord, he was able to serve others with Christ-like love that touched multiple generations and will continue to reverberate for centuries to come. The depth of his love for and commitment to his wife Marty, and their marriage itself, has inspired their children, grandchildren, and all who have known them.
In the eyes of his children, as a father, there was no parallel. He was selfless, always putting the needs of others before his own, and he personified humility, every day of his life. He loved God’s word, including Psalm 103:2 (“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits”), Isaiah 26:3 (“He will keep thee in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him”) and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. He enjoyed any and every activity with his family. He enjoyed playing the game of tennis for over 80 years. He loved the local church, including his church for the past 54
years, Palma Ceia Methodist Church, where he served faithfully in many capacities. As he now hears the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant” from his heavenly Father, his grateful family gives thanks and praise to that same heavenly Father for one of the greatest lives ever lived.
A memorial service is scheduled for January 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Palma Ceia Methodist Church. This will be a joint service remembering Taylor and his beloved Marty, who preceded him in death by 15 days.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Palma Ceia Methodist Church (3723 Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629, palmaceiamethodist.org). Condolences can be sent to blountcurrymacdill.com.
