Harry Thornton

Mr. Harry Thornton, age 73 of Hartwell, Georgia peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the St. Mary's Healthcare System in Athens, Georgia. He was born on January 28, 1951, in Hartwell, GA and was one of five sons and eleven total siblings to the late M.L. Thornton and Helen Isabel (Stowers) Thornton.

At an early age he became a member of Cedar Springs Baptist Church in Hartwell, GA. After graduating from Hart County High School, he worked as a cement mason and concrete finisher alongside his father and brothers. Their work serves as the foundation of structures in Hartwell, Athens and across state lines in Tennessee and North Carolina. In September of 1988, he was joined in holy matrimony to Joann Thornton, resulting in 34 years of marriage.

Affectionately known as “Bodo”, he was considered a jack of all trades as he could do anything. He enjoyed all the things that consisted of being outdoors. From cooking to landscaping. He had a larger-than-life personality, would help anyone in need and had a creative soul as he was known to repurpose anything into something useful.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Joann Thornton; two sons: Lee Thornton and Kevin Thornton (Tiffany); four grandchildren: Aleeya Mikaela, Kingston Demarco, Nicholas Jerie and Halee Michele; four sisters: Nancy Thornton, Imogene Thornton, Margaret Rucker (Troy), and Faye Thornton, one younger brother, David Thornton and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In addition to his late parents, he was preceded by his three brothers: Mack Thornton, Jerry Thornton, and Alden Thornton and two beloved sisters: Sylvia Ann Rucker and Laura D. Thornton.

Public Viewing will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 12:00 - 5:00pm, located at Mack's Funeral Home - Hartwell Chapel. 

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:00am, located at Cedar Spring Baptist Church - Hartwell, GA. 

Interment will follow the funeral service located at Cedar Spring Baptist Church Cemetery - Hartwell, GA. 

We ask that you keep the Thornton family in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come.

You may express your condolences, sign the online register, send flowers, or light a memory candle in his honor to provide comfort to the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mack's Funeral Home - Hartwell Chapel.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry Thornton, please visit our floral store.