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Celebrating the life of
Stan Thornton
July 12, 1945 - October 03, 2024
Stan Thornton passed away on October 3, 2024 in his beloved study overlooking his backyard and the golf course with his wife by his side. He was born and raised in the small northwest Alabama town of Haleyville to Jay and Willene Thornton on July 12, 1945. Though he was a motivated student, his true love was sports, and he excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball. After graduating from Haleyville High School in the 'good ole days, Stan briefly played college football at Samford University in Birmingham, AL, before deciding that dating girls and attending football games were more to his liking.
He graduated from Samford with a degree in Business Administration in 1967. While working as an insurance adjustor, he attended The Cumberland School of Law at Samford night school program and graduated in 1972. His grit, determination, COMPETITIVE SPIRIT, and, *some would say* stubbornness carried him throughout his life.
He retired as senior partner from the oldest continuous law firm in Alabama, Wooten, Thornton, Carpenter, O'Brien, Lazenby, and Lawrence in Talladega, AL, after 34 years. He was married to Catherine Sherlock and gave her full credit for raising their 3 fine children: Chris, Patrick, and Anne Louise. He served as city attorney in Talladega for many years. He was a member of the Board of Directors at Regions Bank and The Talladega City Board of Education. Stan taught youth Sunday School and served on various committees at the United Methodist Church. He particularly enjoyed coaching every sport his three children played.
In 1994 Stan married Frankie Foshee Newman, and they embarked on an adventurous life of international and domestic travel and fun. They retired to the Landings in Savannah, GA, in 2005, where they enjoyed golf, tennis, pickleball, and an active social life with exceptional friends from all over the country. Strangely, some of them do not even root for the University of Alabama! But he liked them anyway.
Stan loved the Thursday golf group he founded and guided for 18 years. He was renowned for his verbose and acidic wrap-up following each match. Stan co-founded the "Rusty Rackets" and served on the tennis committee. He was a mentor in the Big Brothers, Big sisters program in Savannah for 11 years.
As much as Stan enjoyed his life of leisure and his beloved Crimson Tide, his treasured moments were with his 8 beautiful grandchildren: playing golf, tennis, and pickleball, spending time on the river and at the pools, and everyone's favorite...riding in the golf cart.
Stan leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Frankie; his sons Chris Thornton (Heather) of Naples, FL; Patrick Thornton (Mandy) of Talladega, AL; daughter Anne Louise Boiles (Damon III) of Guntersville, AL; and two step-sons, Brad Newman (Amanda), of Columbus GA and Matt Newman (Claire) of Bend, OR and 8 grandchildren: Ryan and Wiley Thornton of Naples, FL; Tanner and Cate Thornton of Talladega, AL; Charlie and Damon (IV) Boiles of Guntersville, AL; Asher and Selah Newman of Columbus, GA. He also is survived by his sister, Carol Thornton, of Haleyville, AL. His brother Haygood Thornton and his parents Jay and Willene Thornton predecease him.
Though Stan struggled with continuous health issues, he lived his life to the maximum! He found joy in each and every day he was given. He read a daily inspirational message and journaled extensively, documenting the amazing life he and his wife created with their travels, fun with loyal friends, and his legacy of children, step-children, and grandchildren. He will be missed by so many.
Services include a private funeral at a chapel on the Moon river. All friends and family are invited to attend his Celebration of Life brunch at The Palmetto Club at the Landings in Savannah, GA on Saturday, October 26 at 11 AM.
Dear Frankie, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband Stan. He was always so kind and thoughtful to everyone….. I feel so sad for you and your family. Please know I have you in my thoughts and prayers and my heart goes out to you. Love, Barbara
- Barbara Baroni, Savannah, GA
Stan, a true southern gentleman, will be missed by so many friends here in Savannah. My condolences to Frankie and all the family. May you find peace in your hearts.
- Carolyn Szlasa, Savannah, GA
We will truly miss this kind and wonderful man. He was the epitome of a grand Southern Gentleman. Even when he was at his quietest, he had that special twinkle in his eye and a wee smile turning up the corners of his mouth. We feel fortunate to have been in his big circle of friends. Our love, Frankie.
- Sandy and Bill Haeger, Savannah, GA
Dave and I are so sorry for your loss, Frankie. Please accept our condolences. He was a true Southern gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
- David and Judy Sweeterman , Savannah , Georgia
Stan was such a wonderful man who had a smile and warm words whenever we saw him. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Frankie, and the whole family at this sad time.
- Sheila & Marty Grossman, Savannah, GA
Stan was a wonderful man and he and Frankie made a great couple we will miss him. My sympathy for Frankie and his family
- Pat Coulson , Savannah , Ga
I was saddened today to hear of Stan's passing. Stan hired me out of law school in 1984 to come work for his Law Firm in Talladega. I had very little experience and he quickly told me that although I was not much use to the Firm that he would teach me what I needed to know to become a good lawyer. I worked for all of the attorneys in that Firm but primarily worked with Stan on his cases. Stan always took the time to teach and mentor me when I needed it. Although Stan was a zealous and sometimes fierce representative for his clients, he had a huge heart and was compassionate and kind to everyone. Stan taught me well and was quick to give a young lawyer encouragement and credit when he thought that I had represented one of our clients well. Stan and I and another attorney Blake Lazenby ate lunch together several times a week for the 6 years that we practiced together. There was not one lunch where we did not laugh aloud together. I remember those days well. I owe a lot to Stan Thornton for the patience, friendship, and guidance that he extended to me over and over. After moving to Savannah, he and Frankie would occasionally stop in Montgomery to eat dinner with my wife and I on their way to the beach. I know how very much he loved Frankie and his children and grandchildren. He will truly be missed by many including me. Stan, I was a big fan! Rest in peace! Craig Dillard
- Craig Dillard, Montgomery, Alabama
Dear Frankie, Finn and I were so very sad to read of Stan’s passing. He will be sorely missed. We recall many happy times with you two as our neighbors and following our moves. We pray for strength and comfort in the coming days. Susan Howell
- Susan Howell, Savannah , Ga
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
