Roy Gradie Thornton

Native and lifelong resident of Manatee County, Roy Gradie Thornton was born in Duette, Florida to Laura Taylor Thornton and Ed Thornton on January 21, 1928. He died June 29, 2016 surrounded by his loved ones in his home on Snead Island. A devoted family man, he is mourned by his beloved children Teresa (Steve) Gambill, Roy (Beth) Thornton and Cindy Thornton; along with grandchildren Shawn Loveless, Joel (Megan) Castellow, and Greer Gambill; great grands Emma and Avery Castellow and Maya Sands; and his brother Sam (Nancy) Thornton.  He is predeceased by his wife Anita Thornton and brothers Leonard and Hulan Thornton. The family thanks his devoted caregiver Pedro Cavillas for his dedicated service.

Gradie was a meat cutter in the Margaret Ann Grocery Store, Manatee, when he met the love of his life, Anita Thompson.  They married on July 3, 1949 and lived most of their 60 year marriage on Snead Island before she went home to the Lord in 2010.  They enjoyed life to the fullest together. They worshipped at Palmetto First Baptist, enjoyed world travel, spent time with family and friends at their Lake Okeechobee cabin, and especially loved their involvement with Tennessee Walking Horse competitions; celebrating their children’s accomplishments in the sport.  Horses were a passion for him. He loved to ride on cattle drives, or around Snead Island or on the grounds of his home.

Gradie began his successful automotive career opening Thornton Motors in Palmetto in 1954. Over the next 50 years he built a dealership group that included Thornton Mazda, Palmetto; Thornton Nissan & Dodge, Venice; and Sarasota Nissan & Jeep, Sarasota. He earned an excellent reputation for integrity and honest business practices. Many sought his counsel in their own businesses.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 10 am at First Baptist Church Palmetto, 1020 4th St. W, with the service following at 11 am. Because of their compassionate assistance to Gradie and the family, in lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Tidewell Hospice, 4151 37th St. E, Palmetto, FL 34221.

Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com

Visitation
2016-07-05 10:00:00
11:00:00
Church of Hope
1701 10th Street West
Palmetto
FL
34221


Celebration of Life
2016-07-05 11:00:00
First Baptist Church Palmetto
1020 4th Street West
Palmetto
Fl
34221