Donnie “Don” Wayne Thornton

Birth Date: 10/12/1949
Deceased Date: 08/28/2025

Donnie “Don” Wayne Thornton, 75, of Newton Grove, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

He was born on October 12, 1949 in Johnston County to the late Hubert Carlton Thornton and Inez Hawley Thornton.
He is also preceded in death by sisters, Janice Harding, Linda Jordan, and Sue Harris; a brother, Phil Thornton, and his son, Michael Thornton.

The family will be receiving friends at Pleasant Union Christian Church on Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM, officiated by Pastors Debora Stilley and Matt Sharp.

He will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery of Newton Grove.

He is survived and loved by his wife Kay Thornton, that as of September 2nd, would have been married 58 years together; a daughter, Dena Mitchell (William) of Four Oaks; a daughter-in-law, Melissa Thornton of Rosewood; grandchildren, Hannah Scott (Chad) of Four Oaks, and Kaden Thornton of Rosewood; brothers, Glenn Thornton of Clinton and Clark Thornton of Pinelevel; great-grandchildren, Bennett, Chance, Walker and Presley. He is also loved by many special nieces and nephews.

Don was a special man and loved by many for his caring and compassionate nature. At the age of 50, he undertook the incredible and noble challenge of going to nursing school and completed it successfully becoming a licensed nurse. He served his patients with a professional and caring attitude and committed himself to his career.

He loved music, he was a talented banjo player. He also enjoyed singing in the choir at Pleasant Union Christian Church. He had a passion for music and loved Elvis’s music.
Don was a special man who loved his family dearly.

He will always be loved and will be truly missed.

Dunn Funeral Home of Newton Grove is honored to serve the family of Don Thornton.