John Elbert "Johnny" Thornton Jr., age 68, of 316 King Street in Gary, was born in Welch on May 29, 1949 to the late  Nettie M. and John  E. Thornton Sr. He was raised in Conley Chapel, A.M.E. Zion Church in Gary.  He attended Gary District High School and graduated from Gary High School, where he played football and basketball.  He was recognized for his athletic ability along with the 1966 State Champion football team in 2017 with an induction into the McDowell County Sports Hall of Fame.  He began his higher education at Marshall University, but graduated with both a Business Baccalaureate degree and Economics Master's degree from West Virginia University.  Johnny worked for IT&T prior to serving his country as a Medic in the U.S Army while stationed in Vietnam.  After retuning to West Virginia, he taught undergrad Business courses at West Virginia University while pursuing his Master's Degree. He leaves cherished memories to his loving family; which includes two living brothers, Walter (Jerry Sue) Thornton of Cleveland, OH and Steve (Janice) Thornton of Dallas, TX; and one brother who preceded him in death, Jerry Thornton formerly of Columbus, OH; three sisters, Eleanor Baskerville of New Rochelle, NY; Karen (Henry) Boykins and Sabrina (Greg) Perkins both of Atlanta, GA; 13 nieces and nephews; special relatives, uncle, Alfonzo and  aunt, Ruby Dalton and cousin, Katrina Dalton all of Gary; and a host of other family and friends.  Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Restlawn Mausolem Chapel on Rt. 20, Littlesburg Road in Bluewell, with the Elder Ronald B. Dalton officiating.  Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Gardens.  Family and friends will serve as pallbearers and flower bearers.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.    

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