William I. Thornton Jr.
Article Date: Monday, September 22, 2008
Written By: Russell Rawlings
SOURCE: The Herald-Sun of Durham
DURHAM - William I. Thornton Jr., passed away suddenly on Monday, September 22, 2008 at UNC Memorial Hospital.
Born August 14, 1940 in Augusta, Ga., he was the son of the late Marie and William Irving Thornton, Sr. Bill graduated from Culver Military Academy in Culver, Ind., and Washington University in St. Louis where he was president of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He obtained his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a loyal Tar Heel fan and cheered them on at many home games.
Bill lived most of his life in Durham where he was the City Attorney for 25 years. Upon retiring in 1997, he volunteered his time with the UNC School of Government in Chapel Hill as a member of the faculty. So well-respected for his integrity, knowledge and experience, he regularly was requested to speak to professional groups on the subject of legal ethics.
A kind, gracious person, Bill never met a stranger and was a wonderful friend to all. His gift for story-telling and quick wit reflected his great sense of humor and passion for life. He had an uncanny way of finding the best in everyone he met. Those who were blessed to know him will forever be inspired by the way he lived.
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Barbara C. Thornton; daughter, Elizabeth T. Wade and her husband, Brian, of Lake Wylie, S.C.; brother, Justin A. Thornton and his wife, Debra, of McLean, Va.; aunts, H. Alice Wersinger of Durham, Grace T. Cresanta of Asheville, and Blanche T. Young of Matthews.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held at Clements Funeral Chapel in Durham on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Peggy Davis Gold and the Rev. Richard T. Davis officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Clements Funeral Home in Durham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, Central NC Chapter, P.O. Box 52509, Durham, NC 27717.
The family is being assisted in Durham by Clements Funeral Service, Inc.