Obituary of Norwood Thornton

Norwood William Thornton, Sr., 91, of Raleigh, passed away Monday evening, February 13, 2012 at Blue Ridge Health Care Center.

A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2012 at Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 -10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

Born September 23, 1920 in Johnston County, NC, Norwood was the son of the late Harvey Thornton and Myrtle Godwin Thornton. In addition to his parents, Norwood is preceded in death by his beloved wife, whom he married October 31, 1943, Geraldine Wiggs Thornton; brothers, Marshal, Irving, and Edsel Thornton.

Norwood is survived by his son, Bill Thornton and wife Debbie; daughter, Deborah Thornton Estes and husband Howard, grandchildren, Lynne and husband Mike Sanders; great-grandchildren, Brooke and Colton Sanders.

Serving his country in WWII, Norwood was a veteran of the United States Navy. He has been quoted saying, 'It made him feel good serving his country." After his time in the service, he was a Stock Room Manager at Hudson Belk Department Store for 37 ½ years. Some of his favorite places to go fishing were Lake Gaston and Atlantic Beach. He was a member of Carolina Pines Baptist Church.

Flowers are welcomed or memorial contributions may be made in memory of Norwood to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 OR to a favorite charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, N.C. Condolences may be made at www.montlawn.com