Kim Lee Thornton, age 73, passed away peacefully in his sleep over the weekend of September 5, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Ann Thornton and Guy Frederick Thornton of Beckley, and brother Mark Alan Thornton of Beckley. He is survived by his brothers -Robert Wayne (Debbie) Thornton of High Point, NC, and Phil (Tammy) Thornton of Beckley, his children - Paul Anthony Thornton and wife Tammy Thornton of Augusta, GA, Tracie L Baker and husband Steve Baker of Soddy Daisy, TN, and Spencer Forrest Thornton and wife Cheyenne Thornton of Bullock, NC. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Kim was born in Beckley, West Virginia on October 12, 1951, where he lived for the majority of his long life. He had recently retired from work at Clayton Homes of Beckley, where he had worked as a Maintenance Supervisor since May of 2018. Prior to his work at Clayton Homes, Kim had his own company called Thornton and Sons Home Improvement and was also well known by the town for his time working at Jimmy's Place in Beckley.
Kim had a true love for Louis L'Amour's books and western movies such as those with John Wayne or Clint Eastwood, and over the years, had obtained a large collection of denim outfits. Anyone that knew Kim knows that he was one of the kindest souls you could imagine and would give anyone the shirt off his back if they were in need. He is remembered by his friends and family as an avid prankster, who found every opportunity to get a good practical joke in. He loved to tell stories about things he had seen throughout his life, to anyone who would sit and listen to him. He had truly never met a stranger. He was loved dearly and will be missed by many.
Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center has been entrusted with cremation arrangements by the Thornton family. To offer words of comfort or a condolence please visit Kim's tribute page.