Carl J. Thornton, 80, of Jesup, Ga. died Friday, August 11, 2023. The Pierce County native had lived in Wayne County for most of his life and was a former foreman with Hendrix Hauling. He finished his working career as a painter for Harris Real Estate. He loved to fish, hunt, and work in the garden. His 3 brothers, Vernon, Earl, and James Thornton preceded him in death.

Survivors are his wife of 52 years, Pearline "Pug" Thornton of Jesup; two daughters, Kathy (Michael) Blocker and Sherry (Gary) Simmons, both of Jesup; a son, Charles Lynn, Jr. of Jesup; two sisters, Josephine (Russell) Colvin and Louise (Billy) Outler, both of Winter Haven, Fla.; 6 grandchildren, Michael (Heather) Blocker, Jr., Hunter Blocker, Stacy (Joseph) Hargrove, Mandy Simmons, Teri Bailey, Lawrence "Bubba" Middleton; 8 great grandchildren, Clayton, Bryson, Kinsley, Xander, Kai, Zachery, Chase, and Rileigh.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joe Gardner officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Michael Blocker, Jr., Hunter Blocker, Chase and Zachery Bailey, Dave Thornton, and Mike Thornton. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Harborview Health Systems.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.