Obituary of Edsell Thornton

Edsell Sherrill Thornton

Mr. Edsell Sherrill Thornton, 86, of Raleigh, died June 23, 2008.

A native of Johnston County, Edsell was born May 16, 1922, to the late Harvey and Myrtle Godwin Thornton. He was member of the Raleigh Fire Department for 34 years. He was also a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for more than 56 years. Edsell spent more than 60 years with his loving wife Jane K. Thornton. He also loved sports especially fishing and golf.

Edsell is survived by his son Edsel R. Thornton, of Raleigh; grandson William Jeffrey White; great grandson Jason Lee White; and a brother Norwood Thornton. He was preceded in death by his wife Jane K. Thornton and a daughter Sheryl Thornton.

The family will receive friends Thursday, June 26, 2008 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., at Montlawn Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 1300 St. Marys St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27605-1276.

Arrangements by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh (www.montlawn.com)