Preston Flemming Thornton, age 83, of Douglas, GA passed away Monday, September 25, 2017, at Memorial Satilla Health, in Waycross, GA, Mr. Thornton was born July 8, 1934, in Surrency, Georgia to the late Samuel David Smith and Dolly Gertrude Thornton. He was a member of the Saving Grace Ministries and an army Veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Survivors include: wife, Eloise Thornton of Douglas, GA.; daughter, Debra Gray of Douglas, GA.; grandchildren: Damon Byrd, Brandon Byrd, Corey Merritt, Linsey Merritt and Casey Merritt; step-sons: Don Harrell and Ronnie Harrell of Douglas, GA.; step-daughter, Debra Kubala of Chiefland, FL.; step-grandchildren: Justin Douglas, Kim Robinson, Amy Medders, Brad Harrell, Merrissa Johnson, Dawn Hester, Brandon Haygood; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; Norma Thornton; mother, Dolly Thornton; father, Samuel Smith; daughter, Charlene Merritt; and son, Preston F. Thornton, Jr.
The Funeral Service was held Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Saving Grace Ministries where Rev. Cliff Kirkland, Rev. Carl Rowell and Rev. Den Weniger officiated. Music furnished for service by Don Harrell, Debra Kubala and Ronnie Harrell, singing “Look What I Traded for A Mansion,” “Hope We Walk the Last Mile Together” and “Amazing Grace”; and Russell McQuaig singing “Hold Me Jesus.” The Active Pallbearers: Justin Douglas, Brad Harrell, Cory Merritt, Brandon Haygood, James Williams, and Jonathan Williams. Interment followed at Surrency City Cemetery.
Sims Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.