William Thornton, age 77, of Riverside, California, passed away Friday, August 2, 2013. William was born on July 20, 1936, to Romey and Louella Christian Thornton, in Glassboro, New Jersey. William confessed his faith to God at an early age and attended church and family programs. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Air Force, retiring in 1975, after 20 years of service. After the Air Force, he worked for Kaiser Steel for 10 years before permanently retiring.

William is survived by his wife, Yvonne of Riverside, CA; two daughters, Linda Thornton of Moreno Valley, CA, and Rachel “Froggie” Ward (Michael) of San Antonio, TX; two stepsons, Larry and Levar Bryson of North Carolina; four grandchildren, Michael Jr., Dante, Brianna and Cory Ward; five sisters,

Beatrice Carpenter, Doris Bundy, Bessie Harrison, Dorothy McClanahan (Frank), and Sylvia Thornton, all of Riverside, CA; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Romey and Louella Thornton; brothers, Romey Thornton, Jr. and Whittie Thornton and sister, Rachael Tolliver.