Obituary
On December 9, 2020, The Lord called our beloved Willie Frank Thornton to his Heavenly Estate. Willie Frank was born to the late Hershal Thornton and Johnnie Mae Turner Thornton, on July 25, 1955 in Blakely, Ga. He accepted Christ at an early age and served the Lord.
He attended Washington High School, class of 1976 in which he loved sports. He coached the men’s softball league and played basketball.. While being active in the community, he was also a DJ; Laid concrete and attended many functions for the kids. His most loved activity was going fishing with Jackson. Willie Frank was employed by the City of Blakely for 30 years serving as Superintendent of the Water, Sewage and Gas department until his retirement in 2005. He also devoted his time and served as city Councilman for 4 years.
Willie Frank was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Hershal and Johnnie Thornton, his brother, Roosevelt Thornton, grandson, Trevon Lingo, his aunt, Easter Pitts and a very special aunt Helen Smith.
He leaves to cherish his memories: His loving and devoted wife Linell Ogden Thornton of Blakely, Ga. He also leaves his five sons: Quinton McClendon, Eufaula, Ala., Cornelius Thornton (Lanisha ), Tallahassee, Fla., Jermaine Ogden ( Brittany ) McDonough, Ga., Bryan Ogden ( Crystal ) and Tan’Ya Ogden of Blakely, Ga. His five daughters: Stacey M. Jones ( Travis ) of Blakely, Ga., Kameko McClendon, Lauderdale Lakes, Fla, Cassie Thornton, Courtney Thornton and Dana Ogden, all of Blakely, Ga. His siblings, Bobby Roy Thornton, Sr. , Walter Wade Thornton, Bertha Thornton, Queen Thornton, Carolyn Freeman ( Lewis ), Janet Thornton, and Theresa Sealy ( Michael ) all of Blakely, Ga., Uncle, Robert Thornton of Newark, N.J., an Aunt, Gracie Peterson of Hollywood, Fla.
Special Grandkids: Damon Hobby and Sage Reese Stevens, Special cousin, Councilman Al Hutchins. A host of grandkids, one great-grand child, nieces nephews and cousins.
Poem: Children
Dad, you are a strong role model, protector, provider, and the anchor of our home.
You are your sons first hero and your daughters first love.
You also are our teacher, our guardian, our friend, our mentor, our coach, our listener, our hero, our joker, our Cook, our taxi ,and our bank.
Love, always and forever, your children.
Matthew 11:28
Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
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