Ricky Don Thornton, Jr. age 44, of Teachey, NC, passed away unexpectedly on July 26, 2024, at his home.  Born on December 19, 1979, he is the son of Ricky Don Thornton, Sr. and the late Cindy Honeycutt.  Also preceding him in death are paternal grandparents--Earl and Ethel Thornton; maternal grandparents--Jessie and Ernie Honeycutt; and father-in-law--Robert Knowles, Sr.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife--Ivy Simmons Thornton; children--Anthony Olney of New York and Jessie Mae Thornton of the home; mother-in-law--Phoebe Knowles of Wallace; father--Ricky Don Thornton, Sr. and wife Linda of Teachey; siblings--Joseph Mack Herring and wife Chelsea of Wendell, Randy Neal Williams of Clinton, Ashley Brooke Guerry and husband Joey of  South Carolina, and Jessica Griffin and husband Brian of Albertson; brother-in-law--Michael Simmons and wife Kim of Kemprer (TX); best friend--Randal Jones and wife Farrah of Wallace; close friend--Eddie Boyette and wife Kim of Rose Hill;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Thornton was a generous and kindhearted man who would "give the shirt off his back" if he knew someone was in need.  He was always willing to give a helping hand when it was needed.  His passion in his profession was driving a "big rig", whether it was a long-distance trip across the United States or a shorter trip in the logging woods locally.  As an outdoorsman at heart, he enjoyed hunting and fishing when he had the opportunity.  He loved his friends and always enjoyed spending time with them.  He loved his family dearly and his three girls--Ivy, Jessie Mae, and Phoebe--were the "light of his life" and he was proud to tell others about them.

The family will receive friends at a visitation set for 11:00 a.m. on Friday August 2, 2024 in the 401 West Main Street chapel of Padgett Funeral Home in Wallace, NC.  At other times the family will receive friends at the home of Phoebe Knowles in Wallace.