Joseph (Joe) Thornton was born to Thomas and Martha Robinson Thornton on March 28, 1940 in Topping.
He received his education through Middlesex County Public Schools in Saluda, where he was a star baseball player. After high school, Joe worked several construction jobs as well as at Newport News Shipbuilding. In 1963, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served until 1965.
Shortly thereafter, he met and married Julia (Mikki) Draper and from this union, three children were born: Joseph Jr., Marc Anthony and DaVea Michelle.
In his prime, Joe was a skilled and knowledgeable charter boat captain and waterman. At times you would hear him complaining about the irritating “mosquito fleets” (small pleasure boats following larger charter boats in search of finding the best fishing grounds). Joe took pride in teaching his sons the craft of shucking oysters and gill netting (much to their dismay most of the time).
Joe passed on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022 at the age of 82. He will be remembered for his hard work, caring for his family and friends and extreme knowledge of the water. He was also known for his incredible sense of humor. One saying in particular: “Every shut eye ain’t sleep and every good bye ain’t gone!”
Those left to cherish his memory are his three children, Joseph Jr. and Angela Thornton of Bowie, Md., Marc Thornton of Arlington, Texas, DeVea and Anthony Rangel of Gambrills, Md.; seven grandchildren, Brittany Hayes, Brianna Bagby, Alexia Thornton, Brandon Bagby Jr., Marc Thornton Jr., Jade Thornton, Anthony Rangel Jr.; one great-grandchild, Ivy Thornton; one sister, Sarah Fitchett; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Annabelle Thornton and Bertha Key; five brothers, Samuel Thornton, Anthony Thornton, Benjamin Thornton, James Thornton, and Robert Thornton; four nieces and five nephews.
A funeral service was conducted Sunday, Aug. 14, at First Baptist Church Harmony Village, Topping. Interment was in the church cemetery.
