Keith Thornton

Surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters, Billy Keith Thornton (74) of Pineville, MS, passed away on August 6, 2023, at Asbury Hospice House in Hattiesburg, MS.  He was born on November 1, 1948 in Raleigh, MS.

Keith was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Winnie Mae Newcomb Thornton; father, Bennie William Thornton; brother, Donald Thornton and his wife Ann; brother, Douglas Thornton and his wife Sylvia; and brother, Michael.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Linda Richardson Thornton; daughter, Laura Thornton Boleware of Gautier, MS; daughter, Wendy Thornton Bales (Keith) of Stringer, MS; daughter, Amy Thornton Walley (Heath) of Raleigh, MS; and brother, Paul David Thornton (Susan) of Center Ridge, MS.  He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Landry Boleware, Austin Ingram (Leslie), Kalyn Bales, Carter Bales, Evan Walley, Olivia Walley; one great-grandchild, Nathan Ingram; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Keith retired from the Mississippi Army National Guard and HSI in Bay Springs, MS.  He loved his community and church, which he also considered family, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  He served with the Pineville Volunteer Fire Department for many years, was president of Leaf River Cemetery Association, and served as a poll worker at the Pineville Voting Precinct.  He was a faithful member of Leaf River Baptist Church in Pineville and lived out his faith through service.. 

Visitation will be held at Leaf River Baptist Church in Pineville, MS, on Tuesday, August 8, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at Leaf River Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 9, at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. prior to funeral service.  Burial will take place in Leaf River Cemetery.  Leaf River Baptist Church pastor, Dr. Danny Dickerson, will officiate the services.  

Pall bearers are Cody Crenshaw, Terry Hammons, Ty McNeil, Cory Nelson, Anthony Sorey and Brian Warren,  

Honorary pall bearers are J.T. Childs, Wayne Culliver, Mitchell Hammons, James McIntosh, Jerry Smith and Don Waites.

Ott & Lee of Forest, MS, is in charge of arrangements.    

OTT & LEE Funeral Home of Forest is honored to serve the Thornton family.