Ira Cecil Thornton

Ira “Cecil” Thornton, 95, of Muscle Shoals, AL passed away April 14th in Russellville, AL.

Mr. Thornton was born in Russellville, Franklin County, AL. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in October of 1941.  He met his best friend and future wife, Kathleen Forbes Thornton (1927-1995) while stationed in her hometown, Savannah, GA.  He married Kathleen on June 23, 1945.  After the war, Mr. Thornton moved to the Village in Sheffield in 1947, and to Muscle Shoals in 1948, where he has been a long-time resident during the past seven decades.

Cecil completed a self-taught correspondence course in carpentry and construction in 1948-1949 (with his VA benefits) and worked in construction, building and remodeling homes for two decades before beginning his own construction company.  This company became Cecil Thornton Builders, Inc.  Mr. Thornton built many custom homes in our area. 

Mr. Thornton contributed to his community in many ways, such as being a former active member of the Muscle Shoals Lions Club.  He and Kathleen retired in 1982, and especially enjoyed their retirement years with the Colbert Chiefs Camping Club and were members of Woodward Avenue Baptist Church for almost seven decades.

His dear wife Kathleen preceded him in death in 1995.  His three brothers Earnest, Hollie and Hubert also precede him in death, as did his three of his four sisters, Nellie Rogers, Ollie Fuller and Ellen Seal.  He is survived by his younger sister Mary Willie Hester, and many nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his son, Michael D. Thornton of Pensacola, FL and his daughter, Susan T Thornton of Muscle Shoals, AL, and his grandchildren Catherine Thornton Bond of Pensacola, FL, Jonathan Thornton of Pensacola, FL, and  Monica Ticer of Killen, AL.  He also is survived by his five great grandchildren Christian Bond, Claire Thornton and Madelyn Bond of Pensacola, FL and Lakin Ticer and Taylor Ticer (Kevin Ticer, father) of Killen, AL.

We all mourn our great loss, as the world is definitely dimmer without this true gentleman, World War II veteran, loving husband, an unsurpassed role model as a father, outstanding and ethical businessman, and a faithful friend to many.

Pallbearers will be Michael Bond, Jonathon Thornton, Billy Fuller Jr., Eric Fuller, and Aaron Smith. Honorary Pallbearers are Hillard Smith.

“But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done?  Thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast?   Can I bring him back again?  I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me."    2 Samuel 12:19-23

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Southerncare Hospice personnel, devoted caregivers at Wellington Place, and the nursing staff and caregivers at Russellville Health Care. Special thanks to his private sitters, who were dads angels and constant Companions who held his hand to the very end. He loved all his caregivers just as they were his own family. Also Dr. Ronald McCoy and Dr. Heaton and their staff for all their care for so many years, who ministered to Cecil during the last months of his life, and a special “thank you” to his special friend Onita Quillen (1929-2011).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Woodward Avenue Baptist Church Scholarship Fund in Muscle Shoals, AL. In In lieu of flower, in honor of his dog Toby please donate to Shoals Animal Advocates 256-712-4414 and Colbert Animal Clinic of Muscle Shoals at 256-381-6210.

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