Jerry Randolph Thornton, 81, passed away peacefully in his Charleston, West Virginia home on January 12, 2025, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Born on July 29, 1943, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia, Jerry lived a life dedicated to education, faith, family, and community.

A proud graduate of Marshall University, Jerry earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics before continuing his education at West Virginia University, where he received a master’s degree in industrial engineering. For 33 years, he shared his love for learning as an assistant professor at West Virginia State University. Alongside his academic career, Jerry pursued a thriving business as a real estate appraiser, which he owned and operated for 53 years.

Jerry’s career journey also included time with the U.S. Navy as a civilian, FMC, and the West Virginia Housing Development Fund. His industrious spirit, deep intellect, and commitment to hard work were a testament to his upbringing by his parents, Buford Thornton and Wealthy Thornton Nicely.

Jerry’s personal life was filled with love and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene Thornton of Charleston, West Virginia. He was a devoted father to James Thornton (Helen) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Robert Thornton (Priscilla) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Joshua Thornton (Maryam) of St. Albans, West Virginia. He also cherished his stepchildren, Rebecca Lilly of Lumberton, North Carolina, Andrew Lilly (Annie) of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Adam Lilly of Charleston, West Virginia.

Jerry adored his grandchildren: Kasey Mack (Tony) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Tori Thornton of Wilmington NC, Bridget Oaks (Steve) of Supply, North Carolina, Michael Snyder (Emily) of Southport, North Carolina, Grace Thornton of Charleston West Virginia, Faith Thornton of Charleston West Virginia. He also cherished his step-grandchildren: Adam Reese, and JonLuke Reese of Lumberton North Carolina, Patrick Lilly, Charlie Lilly, Caroline Lilly, and Carter Lilly of Morgantown, West Virginia, Anahita Hekmet of Athens Ohio; his great-grandchildren: Skylar Mack and Reese Mack, Kaiser Dennis, Mason Oaks, and Ivey Oaks, Cheyanne Snyder, Cadence Snyder, Gabriel Snyder, and Elsie Snyder, who gave him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his wonderful sister, Marsha Gillenwater (Jon) of Savannah, Georgia.

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents, Buford Thornton and Wealthy Thornton Nicely; his dear brother, Steven Thornton; his first wife and mother of his children, Diane Carper Thornton.

Jerry was a man of faith and an active church member who found great joy in worship, fellowship, and teaching Adult Sunday School. He loved reading, watching sports, telling jokes and stories, and playing games with his family. A talented musician in his younger years, Jerry had a bluegrass band and shared his love of music with many.

Jerry’s legacy of kindness, wisdom, and steadfast devotion to his family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

A Service to Honor the Life of Jerry will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV, with Rev. Bo Terrell officiating. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in White Chapel Memorial Park, Barboursville, WV, on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10:00 am.

Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.