Delmas Eugene Dale Thornton, 60, of Craigsville, Virginia, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Augusta Health in Fishersville.
Mr. Thornton was born March 22, 1952 in Rockbridge County Virginia, the son of the late Eugene Franklin Thornton and Mabel Garlen Harris Thornton. Dale was a devoted and loving person who enjoyed life and being with his family. He loved singing, playing his guitar, and cooking out. Most of all, he enjoyed riding the mountain roads and looking at wildlife.
He is survived by his fiancé and companion of 22 years, Doris Knight of Craigsville; two sisters, Mary White and Dot Ingram, both of Hot Springs, Virginia; a brother, Roger Thornton & wife Shelby of Churchville, Virginia; six step sons, Kenny Taylor, Donald, Harold, Preston, Arnold and Jessie Knight; four step daughters, Linda, Mary, Brenda and Wanda Taylor; his grandchildren, Dreama, Holly, Doris, Lloyd, Felicia, Ginger, Catherine, Andrew, Anthony, Jamie and Donnie Knight; a very special grandson, Freddy Knight; a very special nephew, Harry White; and his beloved dogs, Buddy and Do Do.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Craigsville Funeral Home with Pastor Norman Deery officiating. Interment will follow at Craigsville Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Ingram, John Ingram, Marvin Jackson, Ruebin Wright, Kenny Taylor and Billy Ryder.
The family will receive friends form 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2012 at the funeral home. Online condolences may be submitted at www.mclaughlinandyoung.com.