Ray Herbert Thornton, age 81, of Glen St. Mary, Florida, was born on October 7, 1945, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Jacksonville, and stepped into the arms of Jesus on October 31, 2026, to be forever free. He was often described as dedicated, abundant, and nurturing, with nothing but kindness and inspiration to offer to everyone he met. 
After graduating from Paxon Senior High School, Ray began his career by establishing Thornton Flooring as the sole contractor responsible for laying carpet for Montgomery Ward and Sears while simultaneously serving six years in the National Guard. Afterwards, he took on a position at Gerdau Steel, formerly known as Florida Steel, until 1988. Before entering retirement, he transported auto parts for Burkins Chevrolet and Danny Lamb for many years, emphasizing his joy and talent for cars and their operations. 
On December 24, 1967, Ray married his soulmate and surviving widow, Ona Lee Smith Thornton. Together, Ray and Ona Lee raised their two daughters, Leona and Shelly, while teaching them dedication, courage, and independence above all. Ray was a strong man and loved many. His affection for his wife and daughters was unconditional, and he built them the life he had always wanted, committing to be an impactful husband and father and eventually grandfather and great-grandfather. 
Ray was a hardworking man, persevering through many challenges, and had a love for cars, racing, particularly NASCAR, and spending time outdoors. Additionally, he cherished fishing, camping, taking boat rides, and investing time in his family. 
Ray was a doer, always accomplishing what his body allowed while treasuring the antics of a family man, and these values never shifted, even as he aged. He had a special skill for using his hands, and everything that fell into them prospered. He was frequently remembered for his ability to renovate and restore, transforming multiple areas of his forever home and repairing older vehicles and other machinery. 
Ray will also be remembered for his humor, consistently pulling pranks, assigning funny yet endearing nicknames, and finding joy in the darkest of times. His legacy elegantly demonstrates the wittiness, kindness, and diligence of a resilient man, and he will be remembered by all who love him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray Charles Thornton and Mary Lou Driggers Thornton; siblings, Pamela Ann Thornton, Charles Ray Thornton, Larry William Thornton; and great-granddaughter, River Johns. Ray is survived by his wife, Ona Lee Smith Thornton; brother, Gary Wayne Thornton; daughters, Leona (husband, Greg Lowery) and Shelly (husband, Dwayne Norman); granddaughters, Kaylee (husband, Kamron Johns), Allie (fiancé, Liam Roll), McKenzie (husband, Jessie Fletcher), and Leeann (fiancé, Dylon Schneider); and great-granddaughters, Kenleigh Williams, Brynleigh Johns, and Lauren Roll. 
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Mt. Zion Church with Pastor Shane Conner officiating. Interment will follow in Macedonia Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. 
Arrangements entrusted to the dedicated care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL AND CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063. 904-259-2806.