Billy Thornton

Billy George Thornton, age 82, of Texarkana, TX passed away March 22, 2018. Billy was born the son of John William and Eula Putman Thornton on January 6, 1936 in Ozan, AR. He graduated from High School in Hope, AR and entered Texarkana Junior College, later leaving there to volunteer for the U.S. Army on Sunday, January 30, 1955. He took pride in his ability to serve his country in the military and is recognized as a Korean War Veteran. With the benefit of the GI Bill and his wife working to put him through school, he graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1961. He gave generously to the University of Arkansas alumni association and regularly attended Razorback home games. He was a member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (SPE), President of the Sulphur River Chapter of the Texas SPE, and a Registered Public Surveyor in Texas. He began his career with the Federal Highway Administration and retired from Red River Army Depot after 30 years. Billy was gracious with his volunteer work assisting with causes he cared about, such as the American Red Cross Disaster Relief and the U.S. Census. He was also a member of the Red River Rod & Gun Club. In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his two daughters, Janis Goad Thornton; his sister Hazel Thornton Hoosier; his brother John Thornton Jr.; and his long-time companion Linda White. He is survived by two daughters, Ramona Thornton of Asheville, NC and Myra Maddox of South Carolina; one son-in-law, Jim Cummings of Asheville, NC; two stepsons, Todd and Jared Jones of Texarkana, TX; six grandchildren, Clint Maddox of Rochester, NY; Abigail Maddox of Bauxite, AR; Sonya Brister of Texarkana, AR; Steven Lusk of San Antonio, TX; Sophia and Isabella Cummings of Asheville, NC; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Evan Stinson of Bauxite, AR; two very special friends, Loretta Tolley of Alabama and Stuart McDonald of Texarkana, TX. Billy was a Christian and loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and was a long-time member of Hooks First Baptist Church. He enjoyed traveling and seeing the world, visiting several countries located in six of the seven continents (with the same pair of Timberland boots)! Billy had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed activities such as mountain hiking, skydiving and hang gliding. He was also a health and fitness enthusiast he enjoyed spending time power-walking in the mall with his friends. He was a distance runner and placed first in the only full marathon he ever attempted. He felt blessed and frequently expressed gratitude to have close friends that cared about him. Services for Billy will be at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday March 28, 2018 at Chapelwood Funeral Home with Rev. David Blase and Rev. Roy Ford officiating. Burial will follow in Chapelwood Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 6:00 P.M. Tuesday March 27, 2018 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tri- State Alzheimer's Alliance, 100 Memory Lane, Texarkana, Texas 75503.