Rhett Joshua Thornton, 3 year old loving son of Josh and Taylor Thornton ran into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, February 14, 2026.  Rhett loved to act like he was a firefighter, hunter of big deer and ducks, reeler of big fish and tractor driver. He was passionate about Jesus and prayed for many family members.  He was full of joy and shared that with a huge smile.  Rhett taught more about life in his short 3 years than many people teach in a lifetime with many decades. His sister, Brynleigh "Sissy" was his best friend and playmate.  He attended Jesup Church of God and didn't meet a stranger.  His great grandparents, Janice Thornton, Jim and Linda Knight, Bernard Scott preceded him in death along with great uncles, Jason Flowers and Paul Baker.

In addition to his parents and sister, survivors include grandparents, Thomas and Melanie Knox and Deryl and Tammy Thornton, all of Jesup; great grandparents, George and Ivene Knox, Diane Scott, John and Pat Smith and Dorman Thornton; aunts and uncles, Trent and Macy Knox, Meah and Barret Browning, all of Jesup; great aunts and uncles, Melissa (Jeff) Lewis, Patti and John Robinson, Tammy Flowers, Vickie Baker and Sandy Knight; cousins, Cooper Knox, Boone and Tate Browning; numerous other cousins.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Jesup Church of God with Pastor Scott Hatten and Rev. Melvin Lane officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Barret Browning, Trent Knox, Boone and Tate Browning.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cerebral Palsy Foundation, 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor, New York NY 10019 or https://donate.cerebralpalsyfoundation.org.

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