Howard Thornton III was born to the late Howard Thornton Jr., and Myra Jackson on July 24, 1955, in Newnan, Georgia in at Newman Colored Hospital. He was affectionately known known as “Big How” to most and ” Paw Paw” to others.
Howard graduated from South High School and then went on to attend The Ohio State University. After college, he went on to serve in The United States Marine Corps.
Howard was an all-around athlete. During his retirement he enjoyed fishing, bowling, and billiards.
Howard leaves to cherish his memories, his Wife; Barbara Thornton; Son, Howard (Nina) Thornton IV, Derrick Thornton, Daughters, Delia Wilson, Arnetta (Sascha) Kinds, Luvenia (Damond) Hairston; sixteen Grandchildren and 5 very special Great- grandchildren; Timiah, Cameron, Kyrell, Imani and Jerzey.
Howard will be missed by many, but surely not forgotten.
PUBLIC Visitation 12:00 PM PRIVATE Visitation 1:00 PM and Private Funeral Service 2:00 PM Saturday, September 18, 2021 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd).
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To the Thornton Family,
I have known “Big How” since we were kids growing up on South Champion. Howard was always like a big brother to me and I admired him as a person and an outstanding athlete. It’s always hard to say good bye to a lifelong friend and this is a difficult loss for all that knew and loved Howard. My prayers and condolences to his family and circle of friends.
Howard, I know you were a former Buckeye student athlete and you knew me to be a avid supporter of TTUN, but because it’s you bruh…GO BUCKS! Take your rest and peace big bruh.
Barb we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Big How loved you dearly… Rest Well Big How. You will truly be missed. I can see you and Tommy Penn together again laughing and cutting up waiting on the rest of us to arrive…. The Valentine’s
From the Class of 73, we Bulldogs send our deepest sympathies to Barb and the family. Howard was a three-year letterman{ Football, Track, and Basketball at South. I remember our Sophomore year the first time I met Howard. A Big gentleman with a very kind heart. I will miss you, my fellow classmate and friend. Class of 73 Bulldog Co-Champion football players who have passed, Nick K, Greg B., Byron and Mark Pand Joe L. Howard, you are in good company. Forever a Bulldog.
I’m so sorry to hear about Howard passing away. I used to bowl with this “gentle giant”. A great guy he was. My sincere condolences to you all on this loss
Barbara, I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband and best friend. Howard was a wonderful person and I enjoyed bowling with him. To my nieces and nephew, I’m sorry for the loss of your grandfather. I love you all and you are in my prayers.
To Barbara and the entire Thornton family, words can not describe how sorry I am for your loss. Please know that God is in complete and total control of your current situation, as he will never leave you or forsake you. I know, you feel like you just lost your best friend and in many ways you have, BUT GOD, he’s there for you, let him take hold, he’ll show you that he can be your next best friend.
May peace and love be with you during this trying time.
Jerry Ferguson/Dr. White’s office
To Barbara and the family, my sincere sympathy as heartfelt prayers pours out to each of you. “Big How” as I affectionately called him in school and even still when we the 3 of us worked at GM/Delphi shall be missed by all who knew and loved him. May we all treasure those many memories to get us through.
My condolences to the family Big How and I meet each other while at Roosevelt but I knew him from playing basketball since 7th grade.. He was my teammate and friend every since gonna miss my buddy til we meet again you’ll never be forgotten..
My condolences and prayers go out to the family, Sorry to hear of Howards passing.
Been friends since Roosevelt and thru South High . A stud, a legend has left us
Always a friendly laid back guy, I will always remember and miss BIG HOW
Rest easy, Rest in Peace brother, Mr. Howard Thornton
Praying for the Thornton family and asking that Jesus will continue to comfort and keep you through the days ahead.
Condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Thornton
Condolences to Mrs. Thornton, children, family and friends on your loss. Howard and I were classmates at Livingston, Roosevelt, and South High School. He was a gentle giant who displayed an infectious smile. I’ll always remember his kindness and friendship. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
My Deepest Condolences to the family!