Ronald D Thornton Sr.'s Obituary
Ronald "Ronnie" Dale Thornton Sr., 77, of Columbia, MO passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Services will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM at St. Paul AME Church in Columbia. The visitation will be held on Saturday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church. Services will be live-streamed through Facebook on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 2:00 PM at https://www.facebook.com/htmayfuneralhome.
Ronald Dale Thornton Sr. was born March 8, 1944 in Columbia, MO, the son of Audrey and Zella Thornton Sr. He was a lifelong resident of Columbia, MO. He married Gail Elbert on February 12, 1983 and she survives of the home. Ronnie was a dedicated member of the St. Paul AME Church where he served on the Trustee Board, a member of the choir and was a faithful usher of the church. He founded his own Missouri Tiger Tailgate Club where he could be found on many Saturday afternoons cheering for his beloved Mizzou Tiger football team with many other followers.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Gail of the home, his children Ronald “Boo” Thornton Jr. (Natalee Thornton), Courtney Thornton, and Ashley "Dasher" Thornton-Banks(LaRell Banks) Dawn Smith, all of Columbia, MO, and Rishona Menyon Gage of the state of Delaware, four brothers George Thornton(Idenia) of Columbia, MO, Audrey Thornton Jr. of Carbondale, IL, Stevie Thornton and Michael Thornton both of Columbia, MO, four sisters Ernestine Washington of Columbia, MO, Barbara Freeman of Des Moines, IA, Elsie Thornton of Columbia, MO and Earlene Thornton (Kenneth Agee) of Columbia, MO, six grandchildren Ronald “BJ”, Diamond, Alayzia, Malcolm, Damion and Sasha, and two great-grandchildren Rashad and Rashon, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Robert Lee Thornton, one sister in law Wendolyn Ruth Thornton and one aunt Otentha Thornton.
Food will be served for the immediate family and close friends at The Columbia Square Townhouse Community Center at 1715 W. Worley, Suite C in Columbia, MO after the burial.
What’s your fondest memory of Ronald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ronald?
Share a story where Ronald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ronald you’ll never forget.
How did Ronald make you smile?
