Four Oaks, NC: Mr. Ernest Cecil Thornton, Sr., age 83, of Strickland’s Crossroads Road, passed away on August 25, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Graveside Funeral Service will be held 11:00AM-Thursday, August 27, 2026 at The Thornton Family Cemetery in Four Oaks, NC. The family will receive family and friends following the graveside service.

Mr. Thornton was born on August 6, 1943 in Sampson County to the late Luby and Georgia AnnieBelle Westbrook Thornton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Willadean Thornton; daughter, Kathy T. Hudson; sister, Myrna Loy Weeks; brothers, Ned Thornton, Will Rogers Thornton, and Glenn Thornton. Mr. Thornton was a retired drywall installer, owner and operator of Thornton Drywall. He will be remembered for his work ethic, enjoying his garden, traveling to Pigeon Forge in Tennessee spending time with his family. Mr. Thornton was a man of routine and didn’t like to waiver.

Surviving include his son, Ernest Cecil Thornton, Jr. and wife, Amanda; daughters, Connie T. Cox and Patty Mason; grandchildren, Rhonda Bryant, Jason Bryant, Marshall Matthews, Ashley Fisher, Travis Fisher, Tonya Bryant, Madison Hudson, Hannah T. Lee, Cecil Dale Thornton, Elizabeth Faith Thornton, and Madison Grace Thornton; thirteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.