Baseball Loses a Great Man

I'm so sad to share news that Mr. Jerry Thornton of Charlotte, NC passed away this morning.

Mr. Thornton was a regular fixture at every baseball game he could possibly attend. Mr. Thornton was Trent Thornton's grandfather. Jerry was a faithful fan of baseball and exhuberant cheerleader for Trent and ALL of his teammates.

Trent Thornton is a Senior at Ardrey Kell High School and a UNC commit for baseball. Trent is also a member of the South Charlotte Panthers baseball family.

Mr. Thornton was a true gentleman and a great man. Perhaps one of the nicest men I've ever known.

He will be greatly missed. Arrangements are not yet known, but will be shared as soon as I know.

Please pray for Susan (Jerry's wife) and Jeff, Patty, Trent, Lindsay, and Jenna; along with the rest of the Thornton family.

Rest peacefully my friend - I know you'll have the best seat in the house from now on!

With great respect and sadness....

 

RIP

I'm saddened beyond words.

 

I echo those words, Great man, always had a kind thought for everyone. I will miss him at AK games this year

Prayers for Jeff and family

 

A Gentleman

All you had to do was listen. In no time, somewhere around the stadium you would hear Jerry's voice rooting on one of the boys. It was like that every weekend. From the first time I met Jerry it's as if we had been friends for years. He was a very special person and my family is better having had the chance to steal some moments with Jerry.
Our prayers go out to the entire Thornton Family.

 

Thanks for posting this Baylee....

This is unbelievably sad news. When I heard this yesterday all I could think about was Susan, Jeff, the whole family and especially Trent. Jerry and Trent had such a special bond that everyone that knew them couldn't help but see. I willl miss miss seeing him and hearing him at all our AK games...he never missed one! My oldest, who graduated from AK last year, told me last night that whenever he was walking to the plate and during his at bats, the stands would be yelling for him, but the ONLY voice he ever heard and that stood out was Jerry cheering him on. I'm sure alot of Trent's many teammates will attest to that as well. You will be missed big man by your family, friends and the huge number of players who heard you cheer for them over the many years. Smile and cheer for Trent and AK from above Jerry....we will hear you!

 

Best part of showcase baseball is folks we met and friends we made. The Foys are sad and will pray for the Thorntons.

 

SERVICES for Mr. Thornton

Services for Mr. Jerry Thornton will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2012 at Christ Lutheran Church, 4545 Providence Rd Charlotte, NC 28226
(704) 366-1595 (church phone number)

There will not be a visitation time prior to services but there will be a reception immediately following the 2:00 service allowing time to greet the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has kindly requested that donations be made to the American Heart Association in Mr. Thornton's name. The obituary that will be printed in tomorrow's Charlotte Observer will contain the link to Mr. Thornton's specific donation page. As an alternative to the American Heart Association, donations may also be made to Christ Lutheran Church.

The Thornton's are appreciative of all of the support and prayers they are receiving from friends and loved ones.

 

I was really touched when I heard about this, it's such a sad news, and it's really a big loss for everybody in the baseball scene! The people behind all the work have really much to do right now because of all these happenings.
I really wish all relatives and friends a lot of strength for the future!