ROCKINGHAM — Wayne E. Thornton Sr., 75, of Rockingham passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023 at Richmond Co. Hospice Haven.
He was born May 9, 1947 in Richmond County, a son of the late Albert Donald Thornton Sr. and Marzell Haigler Thornton Stephenson.
Wayne was in the graduating class of 1967 at Rockingham High School. He proudly joined the United States Marine Corps after graduation in 1967. Wayne served during Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Naval Commendation with Valor, Coast Guard Combat Action, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Service 2 Campaign.
He retired disabled from the U.S. Marine Corp as a sergeant. He then worked and retired from Burlington Industries after 38 years of service. He coached youth baseball for several years, was the scoutmaster of Troop 64 and enjoyed bowling. He and his father-in-law, Caston Rayfield, were both founding members of Northside Volunteer Fire Department, established in 1980. Wayne really enjoyed playing golf and volunteering many years at The Crosby Tournament, for 15 of the 18 years that is was hosted in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He also loved being outdoors hunting, fishing, camping at the river, riding the boat and skiing.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Albert D. Thornton Jr. of North Wilkesboro and Ray Thornton of Sandford; sister, Carolyn Stephenson of Texas; grandson, Zachary Thornton of Rockingham; nephew, David Thornton of Sandford; nephew, William “Buddy” King Jr.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Community Church. Burial will follow at Richmond Co. Memorial Park.
Surviving, wife of 54 years, Karen Rayfield Thornton of the home; sons, Wayne Thornton Jr. and Tammy Looney of Asheboro, Chris Thornton and wife Stephanie of Rockingham, and Matt Thornton and Karen Graves of Rockingham; grandchildren, Taylor, Christian, Noah, Ayden, Nevaeh, Kaleigh, Kyng, Lendzii, Amelia, Amara, Aiden and Layla; and six nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 2-3 prior to the service at the church and at other times at his home.
Memorials may be made to Community Church, 193 Mill Road Rockingham, NC 28379; or Richmond Co. Hospice, 1119 U.S. Hwy. 1 N Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Thornton family.
