Russell Paul Thornton

Russell Paul Thornton was born on October 24, 1979 in Beckley, West Virginia to his parents Calvin Lewis Thornton Sr. and Kathern (Kathy) Sauls Lilly.  He passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2020 in Beckley, WV unexpectedly at the age of 40.

Russell is preceded in death by his late father Calvin Lewis Thornton Sr.; brother Calvin Lewis Thornton Jr.; paternal grandparents Lewis Fleet and Ova Mae (Alford) Thornton.

Russell leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 20 years, Jamie Dale Thornton; daughter Kayleigh Dale Thornton; son River Lewis Thornton; mother Kathern (Kathy) Sauls Lilly; step-father Ricky Kent Lilly; maternal grandparents James Paul and Jacqueline Cochran Sauls; nephew Anthony Thornton; niece Summer Thornton; great-nephews Joshua Minor and Calvin Lee; great-niece Lorraine Thornton; aunt Paulette Masley; cousin Sammi Jo Masley and her daughter Ryleigh Jo; cousin Aaron (Joleen) and their children Audrey and Connor; cousin Brandi (Jeremy) and their daughter Alyssa; and many extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Russell was a proud Army veteran having served 3 years active duty and 6 years Army Reserve.  He had served at Fort Bragg where he attended the US Army Airborne School; 1st Battalion 507th Parachute Infantry.  He worked at the Beckley VA Medical Center as a program support specialist over 15 years. 

Russell was a bold, intelligent, and handsome gentleman who loved the outdoors and spending time with his family.  He enjoyed coaching multiple years of his son’s baseball team as well as many hours with him playing video games.  He loved riding his motorcycle on the backroads and doubling his daughter.  One of his favorite things to do was to go camping on the river at White Sulphur Springs with his family.

A private family visitation will be 12 pm – 1 pm with a public visitation from 1 pm – 3 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center.  A funeral service will begin at 3 pm with military honors rendered by the Mercer County Veteran’s Honor Guard Team following. For those who wish to attend services, please ensure that facial coverings are worn.  Melton Mortuary has the honor of serving the family.  Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.meltonmortuary.com  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell Paul Thornton, please visit our floral store.