Charles Lelon Thornton, Sr

Mr. Charles Lelon Thornton Sr., age 66, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2010 at his residence in Lithia Springs. He was born November 30, 1943 the son of the late Mr. Gartis G. Thornton and Mrs. Bertha Francis Loden and moved the same year to Atlanta. In addition to service in the Air Force, Mr. Charles L. Thornton Sr. supervised the aircraft maintenance department for C & S Bank which is now Nations Bank. His accomplished aviation career includes the honored and very exclusive status of a perfect FAA record. Always industrious, while retired he expressed his creativity opening a taxidermy shop, Foxfire Taxidermy, with his son Lee, in Lithia Springs, GA. Mr. Thornton was a lifelong student, teacher and enthusiast of nature, conservation and wild game. His taxidermy work may be viewed in the Visitor Center at Sweetwater Creek State Park. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jean Thornton, dear father-in-law, Floyd W. Davis and a sister, Brenda Ellis. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Jeremy Boyles of Sautee Nacooche, Ga.; son and daughter-in-law Charles Lelon Thornton, Jr. and Kimberly M. Fugate of Powder Springs, Ga. He is also survived by his beloved Doberman pincher, Cody; his constant companion and friend. Memorial Services will be conducted Sunday April 11, 2010 at 3:00 PM at the Victory Baptist Church of Douglasville with Pastor James H. Cook, Jr. officiating. Inurnment will follow at Victory Baptist Church Cemetery, Douglasville. The family will receive friends at Victory Baptist Church of Douglasville, Sunday, April 11, 2010 from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM. Messages of condolence to the family may be sent from www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home of Douglasville in charge of arrangements. 770-459-3694