Avis de décès de Joseph-Davidson Thornton

Sergeant Joseph Davidson ThorntonCLEWISTON - World War II Veteran, Husband, Father, Mayor, Nurseryman and Tree Farmer, Cattle Rancher and League Baseball Player, Sergeant Joseph D. Thornton, age 90, of J.D. Thornton Nurseries of Clewiston, was born Dec. 28, 1918, and passed away Sept. 27, 2009. He is survived by his bride of 64 years, Ruth Magdalene Faith who is also a Clewiston resident. Mr. Thornton is also survived by his three children; Ronnie Thornton (granddaughter Natalie); his daughter, Lillian Elizabeth Barnhardt (granddaughter Nicole Nettles and son-in-law Robert Nettles); his son, George, aka "Buck" Thornton, along with his wife Barbara (granddaughter Simone and grandson Jeremy Thornton). Joseph was born and raised in Cuba, Ala., on the Meridian, Mississippi Line. He was known as "Joe" or "J.D." as he was fondly called by family and friends. His children called him "Daddy" or "Pops" and his grandchildren lovingly called him "Opa". As World War II Veteran, Joseph D. Thornton joined the United States Army Air Corps the day after he graduated from high school on May 11, 1937. Mr. Thornton flew combat campaigns into the Balkans, Southern and Northern France, the North Apennines; as well as Germany, Italy, and Africa. Joseph D. Thornton was awarded and authorized to wear 26 Medals of Accommodation including the Medal of Honor; Gunners Wings; Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal of Honor; 5 Overseas Stripes; 2 Service Stripes, EAME/and Entire American Theater Ribbon; Distinguished Unit Badge with Cluster Medal of Honor; Good Conduct Medal of Honor; American Defense Ribbon of Honor; and 11 Battle Stars for combat in the European and American Theater Campaigns. Joseph Thornton was a humble hard-working man. Joe above all else was a man who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. While he was still flying combat missions in World War II, he was interviewed by a local newspaper on all his war accomplishments. It was reported, Joe said with a smile and hands behind his back, "Well, I'm just too busy to talk about myself and write notes, Just tell everyone back home, I am doing just fine and I said Hell-o." He was known as a man of integrity who kept his word with a handshake. It was often said of Mr. Thornton that his "yes was yes and his no was no, and you always knew where you stood with Joe". Joseph Thornton loved sports, but his favorite was baseball. Mr. Thornton was going to play with the major leagues, when he got out of the war. However, he changed his mind from playing the professionals because major league baseball didn't pay enough in those days to support a family. After the war, Joe and Ruth settled in Dania, Florida and lived in the same house for 40 years raising their children before moving to Clewiston in 1984. Mr. Thornton was active in local Dania politics and served as Mayor for many years. During his time, Joe was also a cattle rancher, nurseryman and tree farmer. It was well known Joe loved God, Country, family, trucks and being generous hearted. Joseph D. Thornton changed the lives of all who came in contact with him. To a great many in the community, along with his family, Mr. Thornton will never be forgotten. We salute and celebrate the life of this man who gave so generously to his country, his family and friends by living a life of faithfulness, integrity, purpose and passion. We will miss you and we will see you soon! The Memorial Service for Mr. Thornton will be held at the First Christian Church of Clewiston, (201 North Francisco Street in Clewiston, Florida) on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Reception for family and friends attending the Memorial Service to immediately follow at the Clewiston Inn Banquet Hall in Clewiston. The Memorial Service will be officiated by Mr. Thornton's daughter, the Rev. Elizabeth Barnhardt of Atlantic Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation be made to Hospice of Clewiston, in honor of Joseph D. Thornton.