John Taylor Thornton

John Taylor Thornton, 87 of Sumiton, AL passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Monday March 3, 2014. Born September 7, 1926 to Lewis Thornton and Mary Jane Kilgore Thornton, John Thornton was one of five children. At the young age of 14 years, he left home for Arizona where he became a skilled carpenter and crafty musician. During his 87 years of life he was founder and operator of Sumco, The Thornton Coal Company, Thornton Construction and Quality Auto Sales. Prior to death he operated a larger farm in Jefferson County, AL (Thornton Lake), managed properties all over Alabama and the United States. John’s musical talents allowed him to play with some of the greatest country music legends of his generation, including George Jones, Verne Gosden, Marty Robbins and Mickey Gilley to name a few. He hosted a radio show during his early years. He traveled throughout the country designing floor plans and trading and selling motor coaches. John will be remembered for his entrepreneurship, remarkable excavation skills with heavy equipment, his commitment to his community, but most of all for his unselfish giving of his time and talents to friends, neighbors and family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Irmo Jean Thornton; his parents, his grandparents and his four siblings, Clara Bagley, Dorothy “Dot” Washington, Geneva “Gen” Elliott and Edgar Lee “Slim” Thornton. John is survived by his two daughters, Joan Thornton of Sumiton and Sallie Thornton Muncher and son in law Richard Muncher of Sumiton; his grandchildren, Joeletta Martin Barrentine and husband Jeremy Barrentine, Johnna Martin Johnson and husband Alan Johnson, Julie Martin Bray and husband Matthew Bray, Salena Muncher Hacker and husband Matt hacker and Thornton Muncher; his great grandchildren, Jolie Martin Bray, Julian Bray, Luke Bray, Lillie Bray, Will Johnson and Jase Barrentine; and honorary granddaughter, Camila de Mata Morrow; his companion Patricia Bowers and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. A celebration of life will be Thursday March 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the New Horizon Memorial Chapel. Rev. Joel Carden of Quinton Baptist Church and Rev. Lane Sargent will officiate. Burial will follow at Shanghi Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday night from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home, Dora directing 205-648-2323

John Taylor Thornton

September 7, 1926 - March 3, 2014