George J. Thornton

George R. Thornton, age 81 of Sanford died Saturday, May 28, 2011 at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw. The son of the late Charles and Cora (Tigner) Thornton was born on October 18, 1929 in Midland. On October 23, 1947 he married the former Arlean B. Marshall in Brown City. MI. George worked or the Dow Chemical Co. for 24 years, prior to founding Thornton & Sons Excavating in Sanford. George retired in 1995 with his eldest son retaining the family business. George was a charter member of the Sanford Eagles Aerie 3677, a charter member of the Sanford Historical Society and attended the Community in Christ. George is survived by his wife Arlean and sons: Michael (Intha Marie) Thornton, Steven (Marcille) Thornton, Charles Thornton and Daniel (Gaila) Thornton all of Sanford. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and brother David (Dorothy) Thornton. He is predeceased by brothers Lawrence and Ralph and sisters Ethel Smith, Joyce Davidson, Eva Douke and Beatrice Westendorf.

Funeral service for Mr. Thornton will be conducted at 1:00 PM Wednesday June 1, 2011 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 2 to 8 at the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to the Sanford Historical Society. Personal messages of support may be left for the family at www.wilson-miller.com .