James Walter Thornton

Atkinson- James Walter Thornton, 70 of Atkinson, passed away Sunday (December 22, 2019) at Hospice of the Golden Isles following an extended illness.

Born in Waycross, GA., his parents were the late Walter Thornton and Mattie Ruth Brown Thornton, of Waycross. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, James Trevor "Trey" Manders.

James worked over 40 years as a battery salesman and served in the United States Army. He was a member of Atkinson Church of God of Prophecy and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Linda Willis Thornton, of Atkinson; a son and daughter-in-law, James David Thornton (Shannon); two daughters and a son-in-law, Rebecca DeAnn Thornton Strickland (Randy Melton), of Waycross, Tammy Renee Thornton Fore (John), of Jesup; 3 step-children and their spouses, Elbert Powell, of Uvalda, GA, Lori Ann White (Mark), of Hickox, Lana Johns (Jeff), of Nahunta; 9 grandchildren and their spouses, Kayla Thornton, Christy Lee (Nate), Ashley Mitchell, Walt Mitchell, Candler Strickland (Katie), Conner Strickland (Haley Coles), Marah Mallard (Dustin), Shelby Johns (Shane Thornton), and Noah Johns; 8 great grandchildren, Darren Chancey, Nollie Lee, Kyra Chancey, Lyla Chancey, and Cash Chancey, Aiden Lee, Sophia Strickland, and Ellison Mallard; his mother, Mattie Ruth Thornton, of Waycross; a brother and sister-in-law, Johnny Thornton (Elaine), of Folkston; and a sister, Diane Pittman (Dennis), of Waycross. A special friend Jaurez Strickland, special Cousin Ann Strickland, 3 special Nieces, Dee Dee Buglino, Michelle Lee and Della Ellis. Also, several other nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday (December 26, 2019) starting at 6PM at Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Funeral Services will be held Friday (December 27, 2019) at 2PM at Atkinson Church of God of Prophecy with Bishop Raymond Willis and Rev. Bruce Gibson officiating.

Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jay Ham, Kippy Ham, Mark Strickland, Pat Brown, Gary Brown, Shane Moore, and Dewayne Boatright.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Moore, Robert Thomas, Kevin Prothman, Della Ellis, John Ellis, Michelle Lee, Deedee Buglino, and Jason Mixon.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing our online registry at fryefh.com.