William “Ed” Edward Thornton

William Edward “Ed” Thornton, 90, of Gray, GA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.  A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Bradley Baptist Church with the Reverend Steve Johnson officiating.  The family will greet friends before the service from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.  Burial will follow the service at Bradley Baptist Church Cemetery.

Son of the late William Hillyer Young and Elizabeth Fletcher Thornton, Ed was retired from the United States Air Force with 20 years of service.  He worked for the City of Gray as a City Superintendent for 20 years and was a Mason for 60 years.  A man of many talents, Ed played every instrument by ear.  He served his community in many ways, had a thirst for knowledge, and was a man of God.  The family patriarch, Ed was a great husband, daddy, Paw Paw, and friend.

Ed is survived by his wife of 46 years, Margaret Ann Beck Thornton of Gray; children, Debbie Beck, Jay Beck, Wanda Crutchfield, Patti Beck, and Jeanie Dent; 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brother, George Thornton; and sisters, Mary White, and Sara Morris.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by a daughter, Gena Beck Johnson; 2 grandchildren and his siblings, Martha Edna Bell, Milton Thornton, Bob Thornton, Albert Thornton, and Lucy Thornton.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of the arrangements.