January 7, 2022, 88, Pikeville –

George Cleveland Thornton, 88, of Pikeville passed away Friday, January 7, 2022 at his home.

A graveside service will be held Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Wayne Memorial Park in Dudley.  The family will receive friends following the service.

Mr. Thornton was born in Wayne County on May 19, 1933 to the late James Thornton and Ioda Anderson Thornton.  He was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country.  Mr. Thornton was a member of Stoney Creek FWB Church in Goldsboro.

He is survived by his children, Ann Grimm, Kathy Trogdon and husband, Fisher, Steve Thornton, Danny Frank and Mawan Bunn and husband, Joel; three step-children, LaVon Matthews and wife, Pam, Stan Matthews and wife, Barbara and Tony Matthews and wife, Pat; one brother, Nelson Thornton and wife, Reba; seventeen grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; twelve step-great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren three step-great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Georgia Thornton and his beloved sidekick, Sassy.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Thornton was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Ann Thornton; two sons, Danny and Buzz; his brother, James Thornton; his sister, Shirley Powell and one grandson, Justin Frank.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.