Wesley Byron Thornton

Wesley Byron Thornton, 48, of Valdosta, died on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at his residence. He was born in Hahira, Georgia on December 11, 1972 and has been a lifelong resident of this area. He was a co-owner of Harry Thornton and Son Dry Wall business and a member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church. Byron was known as a kind and humble man with a quirky sense of humor. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt and was both an influencer and encourager to young people in the teaching of simple life lessons through the wonders of the great outdoors. Byron was a coach for Southern Pride, a huge Florida Gator fan, and had been an amateur bass fisherman with the FLW Everstart system. He was a loving father, son, uncle, and friend.
He is survived by his daughters, Emily Grace Thornton and Beth Anne Thornton and his parents, Harry and Tami Thornton all of Valdosta; his sister and brother-in-law, Amie and James Flowers of Hahira; a niece and nephew, Maddie Flowers and Jay Flowers both of Hahira; his grandmother, Brunelle Thornton of Valdosta; his uncles and aunt, Eddie Thornton of Naylor, and Billy and Mindell Downing of Hahira; his two life-long friends, Richie Carpenter of Prattsville, Alabama and Clay Shaw of Lakeland, Georgia. Byron was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rudolph Thornton, June and Lynette Downing, J.E. and Carrie King, and family friends, Richard Carpenter and Colton Shaw.
Services for Wesley Byron Thornton will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at the Park Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. Jamie Bone officiating. The burial will follow in the McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 5-8 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted and/or donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane.