Mr. Walter "Jerry" Thornton, age 74, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Thursday, at the local hospital. Walter was born August 26, 1939 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a son of the late William and Dora Thornton. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Hershel Thornton, Lamar Thornton, Charles Thornton, sisters, Lillian Foster, Myrtle Frances Watts and Nancy Shelton.

He is survived by his companion, Wanda Hooper of Dalton, GA; daughter, Jennifer Thornton of Sparta, TN; son, Allen Thornton of Ft. Ogletorpe, GA; sister, Willie Jo Payne of Ringgold, GA; grandchildren, James and Kim Thornton, Noah Thornton, Jacob Troglin; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Walter J. Thornton will be held Monday September 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from the Ponders Melrose Chapel with Jeffery Thornton officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Monday.

Arrangements by, Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002.

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