Gene Elliott Thornton Sr. passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022 in his home in Virginia Beach, VA. He was born June 12, 1944 in Chattanooga, TN to the late Mildred Thornton Gilreath. Gene was raised in Chattanooga along with his older sister, Barbara Ann who preceded him in death. Gene was a 1962 graduate of the historic Howard High School. In 1963, he left home to honorably serve our country in the Vietnam War as an Airman in the United States Air Force. Gene’s Air Force days were followed by service to the largest municipal fire department in the United States: the New York City Fire Department, where he retired as a fireman. After retirement from the fire department, he relocated his family to Virginia Beach, VA. where he was a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. In July of 2010, Gene retired from Sea Pine Postal Station after 26 years of service. Known for his commanding personality, generous heart, infectious laugh and witty sense of humor, Gene was the loving backbone of his family. Ever stressing the importance of family, we knew that we could depend on him for meaningful advice, good judgment and sound biblical reasoning. He was truly adored. Under the care and guidance of his loving mother, Gene confessed belief and hope in Christ at an early age. He always was willing to share his faith in the Lord and was an active and deeply devoted member of Union Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, VA. Gene served on the church’s bus ministry, food bank, Trustee Board, Deacon Board and ultimately fulfilled his duty as Chairman of the Deacon Board. He was willing to volunteer his service whenever and wherever needed.
In addition to his mother and sister, his wife of 37 years, Mlldred Coston Thornton preceded Gene in death. Survivors include his devoted sons, Gene E. Thornton, Jr. (Tonya Thornton) of Chesapeake VA and Terrence L. Thornton (Virginia Thornton) of Norfolk, VA ; grandchildren, Marcus Thornton, Genelle Thornton, Nigel Thornton, Charles Roberts, and Tasha Roberts; great-grandchildren, Sanai Thornton, Kalani Thornton and Masai Thornton; step-children, Charles McLean and Detra Littlejohn; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Gene enjoyed the fellowship of the 14 year friendship of the McNair family, Alvin and Sherita.
He will be greatly missed!
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Mildred L Forbes says
March 19, 2022 at 9:45 amDeepest condolences and prayers are extended to the family and friends of Deacon Thornton. He was loved, and he shared his love. Our family actually felt like he was family. We humbly bow to God’s desire in that he is too great to err. Family, we must continue to keep our hand in God’s hand, and he will see us through.
Priscilla Johnson says
March 20, 2022 at 1:21 pmI’m to hear about my cousin passing away. My deepest condolences to the family.
Sondra Johnson says
March 21, 2022 at 5:54 pmMy condolences in the passing of my cousin Gene I’m so glad we got to hang out in ATL last year! We was planning the 4th of July 2022 at your house! I will come see you in June on your birthday! Love you for life cuz! I’m miss that laugh of yours!
JOI FOSTER says
March 21, 2022 at 11:40 amSORRY FOR YOUR LOSS MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Lynn Chester Freeman says
March 21, 2022 at 1:23 pmMy condolences to the family. A formal poster coworker. Retired
Calvin Hawkins ,2887 Norgate Court, Decatur Georgia, 30034 says
March 21, 2022 at 3:38 pmHad no idea that our conversation on February,28th would be our last. Been friends since our high school days at Howard. Rest in peace my friend
Cecilia Smith Allgood says
March 21, 2022 at 4:34 pmFrom the Howard High Class of 1962. Our deepest sympathy to the family of our classmate. Trust in the Lord that you will see him again.
Shirley Davis says
March 22, 2022 at 5:36 pmLonnie & Shirley Davis
We share in your sorrow. Your Father will be greatly missed
May God continue to comfort you all during this time.
Joann W Cox says
March 23, 2022 at 9:33 pmMy Heartfelt Condolences Goes Out To Gene Jr. And Family 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Min. Rosetta Jones and Family says
March 23, 2022 at 10:19 pmTerrance and Virginia,
Our Condolences to you and your family for the passing of your father. Praying that you find comfort in the promises of God as recorded in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted”.
Love you!
Georgia F. Allen says
March 24, 2022 at 6:18 amGene and Terrence it is with great sadness that I send condolences in the loss of your father. My prayers and love go to you.
aka Aunt Fay
Joyce Blake says
March 24, 2022 at 11:43 amCondolences to the Thornton Family.
Gene and my husband grew up together in Chattanooga.Raymond Blake spoke about their friendship quite often.
Praying for the family.
Lloyd Allen says
March 24, 2022 at 3:06 pmMy condolences to the family
Reginald Starks says
February 23, 2023 at 11:27 pm“Steal Away to Jesus” I have memories of Gene singing this spiritual as a child in church. He was about 4 years older than me, maybe 10-12 years old. He would stand tall, focus on an elevated point in the back of the church, and sing it so beautifully and meaningfully with his sincere voice. I believe it was at the Seventh Day Adventist church school at Eighth & Magnolia in Chattanooga. My mother loved to hear him sing it. Remembering this, I began playing it during church services myself a few years ago, here in East Hampton NY. Miss you Gene, God bless you! My condolences to the family.
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