Donald Ray Thornton

Donald Ray Thornton passed away on March 21, 2024, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital at the age of 87. Surrounded by his loving Family. He was born in Chincoteague, Virginia, on July 26, 1936, The son of the late Snowden N. Thornton and Ida B. Thornton. After graduating from Chincoteague High School, he entered The United States Coast Guard. Retiring in 1975. Serving twenty years. He was a member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge and Served on the Town of Chincoteague Board of Zoning Appeals for many years. Along with his wife, Wanda, they owned and operated Pine Grove Campground and Waterfowl Park.

In addition to his wife, Wanda J. Thornton. He is survived by his two daughters, Roxanne Thornton Bowman and husband, Skip, Cheryl Byrd Merritt, and husband Steve; Sons, John Neal Thornton and Donnie Ray Thornton, Nephew James Binder; Grandchildren: Tara Mather, Jillian Merritt, Noah Merritt, Lehia Hamilton, and Katie Fitzgerald. Great-grandchildren: Sabastian Mather, Jeremy Alberts, Gage Alberts, Zaedyn Meritt, Gavin Merritt, Joy Rhodes, Elijah Sharpley, Nathan Higgins, and Vivian Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his brother Neil Blair Thornton, Sister Esther Thornton, Binder, Neice Robin Binder, Daughter Audrey Byrd Howard, and great-granddaughter Sydney A. Mather.

A private graveside service was held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery in Chincoteague, Virginia. Services were officiated by Paster Reynolds of Delaware. Services were entrusted by Salyers Funeral Home Inc.

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