Obituary of Lt. Col. William (Bill) Thornton (USAF Ret.)

Lt. Col. William (Bill) Thornton (USAF Ret.), age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday June 19, 2023 in Palm Bay FL. He was surrounded by his children.

He was born in Spring Hill, W VA to George and Myrtle Thornton. He became a combat pilot for the USAF, flying missions in the Korean and Vietnam wars, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on multiple occasions. He later served in Air Force Intelligence during the cold war era until his retirement in 1971.

After his military career, he settled down in Spartanburg, SC with his wife Patricia to raise a family. He served a number of roles for Milliken and Company until his retirement in 1995.

He was a devoted husband and father, and was pre-deceased by his wife Patricia after 61 years of marriage. His family includes his daughter Katherine and her husband Brian, his son Frederick and his wife Lisa, and granddaughters Kristen and Katelyn.

Donations may be made in his name to the William Childs Hospice House, 381 Medplex Parkway, Palm Bay, FL 32907.