William J. Thornton Jr., 88, passed away January 3, 2011. He was born in Akron to the late William Sr. and Rose Mae (Watson) and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from East High School in 1940 and was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II.
Bill retired from the Local 639 Carpenters Union having earned his 50-year pin, served as a Special Deputy Sheriff for Summit County and was a long-time member of Wedgewood United Methodist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Eloise and infant son, Jerald. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Harriet; children, Dennis (Millie), Nancy (Buddy) Shaffer, Jim (Cindy) and Scott (Fran); 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; niece, Rosemarie Sherbine and family; nephew, Bruce Collins and family; and many loving friends.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of Summit Villa for their compassion and professionalism, and to Dr. Mark Smith for his many years of care.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011, at 11 a.m., at the Eckard Baldwin Sanctuary Chapel, 760 E. Market St., with Rev. Karen Hartley officiating. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park where military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 281. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, January 7, from 4 – 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wedgewood United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2350 Wedgewood Dr., Akron, OH 44312.
Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home & Chapel (330) 535-7141
