Thornton, Charlie

Charlie Thornton

December 13, 1947 – January 15, 2024

Charles C. Thornton Jr. (Charlie), age 76 passed away peacefully at his home on January 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Charlie was born on December 13, 1947, to Charles C. Thornton Sr. and Ethel Quarles Thornton from Hartwell, Georgia. In addition to his devoted wife Susan of 52 years, Charlie leaves son Craig and his wife Lane (Brown) of Anderson SC who are the parents of grandsons Calloway and Davis Thornton; daughter Claire (Long) and her husband Timothy, parents to Spencer Austin, Sydney Austin, Ashleigh Long, Henry Long and Caroline Long. Charlie also leaves behind his sister Gloria Eaves (Bill Eaves) of Belton SC and his adoring mother in law Louise Ayers of Hartwell, Georgia.

Charlie graduated from Hart County High School in 1965 and attended North Georgia College and graduated from the University of Georgia. Charlie served in the US Marine Corps from April 1967 to April 1970. This included a 13-month tour of duty in Vietnam where he served as an infantryman in the Marines. He received various medals which included the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Achievement Medal with combat V for Valor, and the Purple Heart during the 77-day battle and siege of Khe Sanh.

Charlie served on many local boards, such as United Way of Anderson County, Chamber of Commerce, AnMed Trustee and Chairman of the board, Tri-County Technical College Foundation, YMCA board, New Foundation Home for Children, Haven of Rest, Innovate Anderson, Downtown Development Corporation, South Carolina Heritage Corridor, Sertoma Club, Optimist Club, FBC housing ministry and FBC Deacon and long-term Treasurer.