Most of you are aware that 2018 and early 2019 has been a trying time for Stephe and her family.  She shared some of her thoughts on those trials in her “From Stephe’s desk: Coming to y’all with Props In My Life” post on March 27th.

Still, it’s with a heavy heart that I come to you today to share the news that her father, Mr. Jimmy Lee Thornton, Sr., passed away on Thursday, April 11th, after a long battle with several illnesses, including vascular dementia.

Daddy Thornton, as he was called by those closest to him, was a commanding presence–full of life, laughter, and lots of love for everyone he encountered.  He was a hero, fearlessly serving in the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s, when civil rights for Black men (especially in the military) were still a dream.  He loved his family fiercely and would do anything for them.  I mean anything.  And he embraced everyone else who loved him and his family equally.  I seriously just can’t say enough good about the man.  In fact, there’s so much to say about him, that I’m having a terrible time trying to write this post.

I first met him sometime in the 90’s, when I visited Stephe’s parents’ house for the first time.  She lived on her own, so it was more usual for us to visit at either her place or mine.  But after some time had passed, I was invited to her parents’ house (for some event I now can’t remember because I’m so old) to meet her parents and brothers.  They were all so welcoming to this new friend of hers who they didn’t really know all that well yet.  Her mother was not only beautiful, but oh so kind.  Her brothers were confident and smart young men.  But what I remember most was her dad’s commanding presence.  He wasn’t a big man, but he was as large as life and full of pride–and laughter.  It was crystal clear that he loved his family more than anything. 

One of the most wonderful things about Daddy Thornton was his sense of humor.  At some point after he met me, he began referring to me as “The General.”  He would hear someone open the door, and knowing I was supposed to arrive soon, would assume it was me and say, “Is that the General?  Tell her not to work me over too hard.  I’m tired.”  LOL.  Neither of us knew why the heck he decided to call me that, but it didn’t matter.  It was funny and made everyone who knew I was actually a 5′ 2″ tall kitten laugh out loud.  I would call Stephe on the phone for one of our long conversations knowing that at some point I would inevitably hear him in the background picking on Stephe and then asking her to “Tell The General I said hi.”  I swear.

Daddy Thornton was a man full of love in a hard world that doesn’t care all that much about love, a world that thinks love isn’t really worth the cost.  But I think Daddy Thornton would disagree.  I honestly believe that everything he did in his life was because of love.  He left school at a very young age because his parents needed help, he worked damned hard for his beloved wife and children, and he served in the Air Force because he loved his country.  If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.

We will all miss him dearly.

Terri :-}

***

Mr. Thornton’s memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, April 20th.  Flowers may be sent to the family at the following address:

Mr. Jimmy Lee Thornton, Sr. Georgia Memorial Park 2000 Cobb Parkway, SE Marietta, GA  30060

To learn even more about Daddy Thornton, please visit Stephe’s own blog and read her “On this Memorial Day week, I thank my father for being a fearless pioneer” and other posts.

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SSGT Thornton receiving a Bronze Zero Defects Award

Memories of the U.S. Air Force

Ellie and Jimmy Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. Thornton

43rd Anniversary Vow Renewal Ceremony

Collage of Memories