Robert Earl Thornton

 Robert Earl Thornton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away on April 13, 2025. Born on November 10, 1938, Robert Earl was a lifelong resident of Brownsville, Tennessee. Known for his enduring faith and deep love for his family, Robert Earl spent his life nurturing both his loved ones and the land he tended. A dedicated farmer, he never missed an opportunity to network and connect with others in the agriculture community.

 Robert Earl was an active member of his community, serving as a County Commissioner for 28 years and devoting his time to the Tabernacle Methodist Church and Kinfolks Camp Meeting. The times shared with his family over Sunday lunches and at Pickwick Lake, will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. His passion for antique tractors brought him joy, and his membership in the local antique tractor club was a testament to his commitment to preserving the agricultural history he so loved.

 Robert Earl is survived by his wife Betsy Mann Thornton; children, Carl Mann Thornton and wife Lee Ann; Blanche Thornton King and husband John, Robert Thornton and wife Sharon; sister, Ginger Hathcock; grandchildren, Robert Allen King and wife Carley, Taylor Ann King, Sam Thornton, Annie Thornton, Thomas Thornton, and Betsy Ann Thornton; and great-grandchild, John Whitten King. He was preceded in death by his mother Pattie Thornton, father Nicholas Thornton, brothers Nick Thornton, Guilford Thornton and sisters Ruth Harmon, Sally Cavin, and Pattie Marie Crafton.

 Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 12:30pm at the Tabernacle Methodist Church located at 3000 Tabernacle Road, Brownsville, Tennessee. The funeral service will follow at 2:00pm at the same location. Burial will immediately follow the services at Tabernacle Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial donations be made to Tabernacle Methodist Church or Tabernacle Cemetery. Memorials can be mailed to Elaine Thornton Lee, 1842 Tabernacle Road, Brownsville, TN 38012.

 Honoring Robert Earl as pallbearers will be Robert Allen King, Sam Thornton, Thomas Thornton, Nick Crafton, Daniel Thornton, Rick Hathcock.

 Robert Earl's love for storytelling, his dedication to his faith, and his love for his family will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Please consider sharing your favorite memories of Robert Earl and photos on the memorial page to help celebrate his life.

 May God give us peace in our sorrow, consolation in our grief, and strength to accept his will in all things - Amen