757.628.1000

Click To Call

Wayne Maurice Thornton, Jr.


Sunrise: June 19, 1969
Sunset: August 26, 2024

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)…

A Time to be Born… Wayne Maurice Thornton, Jr. was born on June 19, 1969, in Norfolk, Virginia as the only child of his best friend and dad Wayne Maurice Thornton Sr. (Janice Thornton) and the late Jane Karen Mabry (the late Calvin D. Mabry Sr.). He will be sorely missed by the twins, Calvin D. Mabry Jr. (Carla) and Dr. Karen R. Settles (Michael), his loving sister Nicole Griffin(Hannibal) and Laverne Thornton, and his brother Spencer Thornton.

A Time to Live… Wayne grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia, and graduated from Indian River High School, Class of 198g. In high school, he played on the football team, ran track as a lightning-fast sprinter, and was named “Best All Around” by his graduating class. Wayne attended Virginia State University and Norfolk State University.

In 1997, Wayne welcomed his son, Wayne Maurice Thornton III (mom: Alessondra Wilson) into the world.

In 1991, he began his career at the United Parcel Service (UPS). Wayne worked his way up to becoming a driver and ran the busy Pembroke area of Virginia Beach. Employed over 3 years, Wayne has received numerous accolades and awards. Wayne was a hard worker and has built wonderful partnerships with those he served. Wayne was a huge family man and enjoyed spending time with extended family and friends. Some of Wayne’s interests and hobbies include traveling, golfing, cycling, diving, snorkeling, and shopping to name a few. 

Wayne’s favorite pastimes were tailgating with the Norfolk State Spartans, attending horse races at the Preakness Stakes, and attending professional football games, especially if the Pittsburgh Steelers were playing.

Wayne was a lifelong member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception.

A Time to Die… Wayne, 55, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 26, 2024. He is predeceased by his mom, stepdad, loving grandparents Hattie B. and Cecil Thornton, grandparents Percy and Katherine Adamson, uncle Percy Adamson, and aunt Brenda Whitehurst.

A Time to Mourn… Wayne was a dedicated father, son, grandson, big brother, uncle, cousin, god-father, pet sitter, and friend to many. In addition to his loved ones mentioned above, left to cherish his fondest memories are his significant other and travel partner Treva Reaves (Regan & Ryan), and nephew Calvin. D. Mabry III, god-daughter Brooke Hanks, Dianette “Nana DeeDee” Mabry, best friends Williams Parker, Kenneth Rivers, Donald Norman & Anthony Delaney, and a host of extended family members, cousins, friends, and co-workers.

A Time to Heal… In grateful appreciation, we thank God for the gift of Wayne Maurice Thornton, Jr.’s life. His kindness and love have touched many hearts. We find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace with the Lord, and we trust in His promis of eternal life. May his memory be a blessing and a reminder of God’s enduring grace.

“He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:10).”

 

Viewing: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby St. Norfolk, Virginia Celebration of Life: Wednesday, September 4, 2024 11:00 AM Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception 232 Chapel St. Norfolk, Virginia Laid to Rest: Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Rd. Chesapeake, Virginia

Send Flowers

Condolences(44)

  1. reply
    Lorenzo Mason says
    August 31, 2024 at 7:10 am

    You will be sorely missed brother. Until we meet again, Rest.

    • reply
      Jacquelyn Ingram says
      September 4, 2024 at 12:47 am

      Miss you dearly.
      You have won your wings and now you are safely held in your Heavenly Father’s arms.
      Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

      ❤️❤️❤️❤️always!!

  2. reply
    Nate Dillard says
    August 31, 2024 at 8:43 am

    My prayers and deepest condolences to Wayne’s family and friends. He will always live in our hearts. Gone but will never be forgotten! Until we meet again. Rest easy my friend.

    • reply
      Jay Westray says
      September 10, 2024 at 4:18 am

      My condolences to the family I am deeply sadden to get this news. My Prayers are with all of you. May Gods strength and blessings touch this family.

  3. reply
    Nate Dillard says
    August 31, 2024 at 8:45 am

    My prayers and deepest condolences to Wayne’s family and friends. He will always live in our hearts. Gone but will never be forgotten! Until we meet again. Rest easy my friend.

  4. reply
    Nicole Greene says
    August 31, 2024 at 9:37 am

    I pray peace for the loved ones left behind that will miss this beautiful spirit with a beautiful smile. Wayne was such a special person. Always havinga kind word. RIH Wayne. HE needed you most 🙏🏽

  5. reply
    Lisa M Griffin says
    August 31, 2024 at 1:41 pm

    Karen,
    The sun, the moon, the wind, the stars, will forever be around, reminding you of the love you shared, and the peace he’s finally found.
    Condolences,
    Lisa Griffin
    Greenbrier Middle

  6. reply
    Johnny Eure says
    August 31, 2024 at 2:27 pm

    I’ve known Wayne since middle school and while we have not kept in touch through out the years I was very sorry to hear about his passing. You have my deepest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful person. I’m thinking of all the great times we had in school. I’ll always cherish those memories.

  7. reply
    Ms. Hunt IRHS says
    August 31, 2024 at 2:54 pm

    Wayne was one of my babies: SCA dance coordinator, yearbook photographer and like a son to me. I will always remember his beautiful smile when he was trying to convince me of something. I will always love him and you and will be praying for peace for us all.

  8. reply
    Ms. Hunt IRHS says
    August 31, 2024 at 2:56 pm

    Wayne was one of my babies: SCA dance coordinator, yearbook photographer and like a son to me. I will always remember his beautiful smile when he was trying to convince me of something. I will love him and you forever and will be praying for peace for us all.

  9. reply
    Ms. P Hunt IRH says
    August 31, 2024 at 2:59 pm

    Wayne was one of my babies: SCA dance coordinator, yearbook photographer and like a son to me. I will always remember his beautiful smile when he was trying to convince me of something. I will love him and you forever and will be praying for peace for us all.

  10. reply
    BARBARA HALSEY says
    August 31, 2024 at 9:57 pm

    Barbara Halsey. Praying for Wayne family. I love Wayne like a son. He truly will be miss by my family. Asking God to enfold you in His faithful love and comfort you with the cherished memories you hold dear. 💔💔💔

  11. reply
    Kerrin Kadejo says
    September 1, 2024 at 9:55 am

    My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Thornton family.

  12. reply
    Rick Garris says
    September 1, 2024 at 12:09 pm

    One of the best UPS coworkers ever. I will always remember Wayne’s easy going nature & positive attitude and smile. Town center will never be the same without him making his deliveries and taking great care of his customers.

  13. reply
    Denise Williams says
    September 1, 2024 at 1:43 pm

    Sending condolences and prayers to the family.

  14. reply
    Roderick “Psycho” Smith says
    September 1, 2024 at 6:24 pm

    I can’t believe you are not with us when we were just talking and laughing last month I want to send my condolences to your family rest well my dear brother Braves 4LFE 💕

    • reply
      Colette Boddie Copeland Harrison says
      September 4, 2024 at 7:02 am

      My deepest condolences,
      praying for the family and his friends.

  15. reply
    TERESA CRAWFORD says
    September 1, 2024 at 6:33 pm

    My Deepest & Heartfelt condolences to Wayne’s family & friends.
    Wayne-You will be truly missed & are dearly loved by ALL of us who knew you. Va Beach Town Center will NEVER be the same. May God’s Peace, Comfort & Grace be with the family.

  16. reply
    William (Bop) Faison says
    September 2, 2024 at 2:56 am

    Praying for peace and comfort for all that knew and loved Wayne. Godspeed my friend.

  17. reply
    Deborah Pugh says
    September 2, 2024 at 9:24 am

    Wayne was a beautiful soul rest now you be deeply miss,and to the his love ones may God take care of you.

  18. reply
    Lorinda Vincent says
    September 2, 2024 at 11:52 am

    I work at town center, seen Wayne on a regular basis, always had a smile, we shared some family stories, talked about many thinks. He went above & beyond for the people at town center. He was a great person. Thanks for all you did Wayne, you will be greatly missed. Prayers are with your family, friends and co workers.

  19. reply
    Marisha Griffith says
    September 2, 2024 at 4:05 pm

    My condolences and prayers of peace and comfort to Wayne’s family and friends. Steeler Nation! Fly high Wayne, you’ll be missed!

  20. reply
    Vernon "Beau-Beau" Gary says
    September 2, 2024 at 6:47 pm

    “I’m thankful for the time we spent together, my friend, in the hallways of Indian River and going back to our days at Crestwood. Our time on the track field felt larger than life itself and having had the opportunity to share it with you, Jerry, and Garry is still one of the most memorable moments of my life. Brother, you will be dearly missed and never forgotten. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family and IRHS Braves.”

  21. reply
    Monique Marie says
    September 2, 2024 at 7:58 pm

    I will truly miss Wayne’s laugh from the many telephone calls my sister and I shared you. Rest in Heaven.

  22. reply
    Garry Halsey says
    September 2, 2024 at 8:44 pm

    Wayne was a truly good friend to me and my brother Jerry. We could not have asked for a better brother to go with us.There was nothing he wouldn’t do for me and my brother, and nothing we wouldn’t do for him. I love you, my brother, until I see you again…

  23. reply
    Melody S says
    September 3, 2024 at 10:03 am

    Town Center won’t be the same without Wayne. His smile, joyous laugh, and funny spirit always brought light and laughter to our office. We had a running joke of naming him something different every day and like clock work, at the end of the day, he’d walk in with the biggest smirk, arms up, and say “what’s the name today?”. He will be missed and I am send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

  24. reply
    Krystan T says
    September 3, 2024 at 11:09 am

    My prayers and deepest condolences go out to Wayne’s family and friends. His smile was definitely infectious and we all enjoyed seeing him every day. He will truly be missed by us all here in Town Center!

  25. reply
    Betty Hamilton says
    September 3, 2024 at 12:12 pm

    Job well done , take your rest, you meant so much too many , William will miss you most and the family : it was a pleasure to have met you!!

  26. reply
    William Schack says
    September 3, 2024 at 1:13 pm

    One of the most positive, caring happy UPS drivers I know. He has been a good friend and coworker. He will be deeply missed by me and many others. He has been a blessing to all who have met him.

  27. reply
    Sherry Wilson says
    September 3, 2024 at 2:39 pm

    Wayne was truly an amazing person. I can not remember a time since high school when I would run into him and not see a smile on his face. His energy resonated with peace. It was a pleasure to have known him.

  28. reply
    Mona Hinton says
    September 3, 2024 at 3:34 pm

    My prayers to the family of my friend Wayne. I will miss that big handsome smile that I have seen for the past 7 years. Rest easy, see you on the other side.

  29. reply
    Joyce Lovitt says
    September 3, 2024 at 5:24 pm

    Dear Wayne and the Thornton family,
    Ken and I send our deepest sympathy, prayers for your peace and comfort, and hope that God’s grace grants you many moments of cherished reflection as you hold close your son’s life, and every day’s precious memories.
    i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)…………
    with heartfelt sympathy, K & J Lovitt

  30. reply
    Jessica Bazemore says
    September 3, 2024 at 5:58 pm

    Deepest condolences to the family of Wayne. I worked with him on the local sort at UPS and watched him grow into a great driver and a wonderful person. He and his smile will be sorely missed and i am glad that I knew him.

  31. reply
    Sheila Adams says
    September 3, 2024 at 7:17 pm

    Sending my prayers and deepest condolences to Wayne’s family and friends. I am truly heartbroken and will miss my brother. 🙏🏾

  32. reply
    Shanika S says
    September 4, 2024 at 8:00 am

    Sending my prayers and deepest condolences to Wayne’s family and friends. You will be missed dearly, Town Center will never be the same. Rest well 🙏🏾🙏🏾

  33. reply
    Anna Divaris says
    September 4, 2024 at 9:36 am

    I knew Wayne when he provided services for us at the Executive Suites. It was the highlight of our day when he would enter with the nicest smile, so kind. I missed him very much when I retired, but always relied on seeing him driving the truck around Town Center. The last time I saw him driving in TC he stopped the truck and jumped out to give me a hug. He was a lovely person who would make one feel special. He will be sorely missed by so many.
    Memories Eternal.🙏

  34. reply
    The Funny Bone family says
    September 4, 2024 at 2:04 pm

    Wayne is loved by all of the management and employees that knew him at The Virginia Beach Funny Bone. He always had a smile and made sure to say hello or wave, even if he just saw you circling the building looking for parking. His presence and dedication will surely be missed. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

  35. reply
    Sheila J Gorham says
    September 4, 2024 at 11:43 pm

    I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family. He was the UPS driver who delivered to my school. I still can not get my head wrapped around this. This is surreal. I found him to be a very kind and positive person. Wayne always had a smile on his face. He was always upbeat. He will be sorely missed.

  36. reply
    Denise Gambrell says
    September 5, 2024 at 9:12 am

    Rest in heaven Wayne. You were definitely one of the good guys! My condolences to Mr. Wayne and Mrs. Janice, as well as all your friends and family that love you dearly and will miss you always.

  37. reply
    Mark Goods says
    September 6, 2024 at 10:08 am

    I am so sorry to find out about this. Our condolences to the family and his friends. He was such a kind guy. Rest easy now Wayne.

    Mark and LaWanna Goods

  38. reply
    Christine Geist says
    September 6, 2024 at 1:22 pm

    Rest in peace Wayne. It was my pleasure to know you on your route at Town Center. The staff at the Westin Hotel will always remember your kindness and amazing attitude. I don’t recall ever meeting anyone like you in my lifetime, simply the sweetest, most positive person always. You brightened everyone’s day with a smile and a hello. We are all so sad to that we will not see you again on this earth but know you will always be looking out for us. we will miss you. prayers for your family and freinds.

  39. reply
    Marc Bernarducci says
    September 6, 2024 at 2:03 pm

    I received the saddening news from a social acquaintance exactly a week ago today. I was shocked. My own obligations prevented me from attending any of his vigils or services, which annoyed me. My heart goes out to his friends and family.

    A quick story . . .

    Having lived in Wayne’s “territory” for 16+ years, we had rapport as we were nearly the same age. When I saw him walking or driving by, I would wave, and he would do the same if he saw me. We actually had a little informal competition going as to who would acknowledge whom first. Occasionally, we would ride the elevator together in my housing complex and we could commiserate and get caught up each other’s “life admin,” as I call it.

    Who knew that a courier could have such a positive impact on so many. I will miss seeing him around. In an odd twist of fate, I guess it was his time to be delivered to his Lord and Savior. I will miss seeing you around, Wayne. RIP

  40. reply
    Monique Diamond says
    September 6, 2024 at 3:46 pm

    Wayne,

    I am in total disbelief we were just talking and cutting up on Main Street. I come back from my trip and receive this devastating news. You will surely be missed my friend. I am going to miss seeing you by the garage every evening and you coming to the office delivering packages to Crestline or me telling you “Wayne, I can smell you with that good smelling cologne before I even see your face and you would just laugh”. You were the bright light for all of us in Town Center.

    Thank you for that amazing smile that could light up a room, your caring spirit, positivity, and the love you always showed me.

    You will be missed handsome! RIP King…

  41. reply
    Elisabeth Parker says
    September 13, 2024 at 2:15 pm

    I am in complete shock! Wayne, you were a good man. Easy smile, did your job with pride and showered in cologne! :-) Your sunny disposition and dedicated committed will be sorely missed. Town Center will quite simply NOT be the same without you. May you rest in peace and power

Leave a Reply

.

Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories

P 757.628.1000 • F 757.545.9148
© Metropolitan Funeral Service