Bobby Thornton Jr., 88, of Laurel, Mississippi, died Saturday, July 31, 2021, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, Mississippi. He was born Saturday, October 29, 1932 in Sylvarena, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel and the Burial will follow in Florence Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery. Bro. Jimmy Holder will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. (601) 649-3342

Junior was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and a Mason in the Sylvarena community where he and his wife Rose resided many years before moving to Laurel 2 years ago. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Junior was a hard worker and a family man. He enjoyed working for the Smith County school system for over 30 years. After his retirement from the school system, he went home to tend to his farm of chickens and cows.

Junior enjoyed watching Nascar, football, and gospel singing on TV. He was known to sing old gospel hymns around the house while going about his daily routines. He was always willing to give advice and "supervise" projects where he saw fit. He also was known for giving nick names to his family and friends.
He never gave up, even when life threw him unexpected illness his way. His perseverance and willingness are a testament to all that knew him. He will be forever missed by his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Leona Thornton, sisters, Mellie Moore, Alma Blackwell, Clara Dimple Thornton, brothers, Bill Thornton, R.O. Thornton.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Rose Thornton, children, Robert Thornton (Karen), Lori Brown (Claude), Patrick Thornton (Amanda), grandchildren, Katlyn Maddox (Matthew), Summer Blackwell (Rylan), Santana Brown, Kimberly Thornton, Landon Moyer, Emily Moyer, great-grandchildren, Brantley Gray, Tripp Maddox, Anna Kate Maddox, sister-in-law, Geraldine Thornton and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Landon Moyer, Shane Luckey, Kenny Blackwell, Donald Thornton, Stacy Craft, and Mark Sheldon.

Honorary pallbearers will be Carthell Jones, Romell Hamilton, Alvin Moore, and Mike Sheldon.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com