Obituary of Harbert Thornton

Mr. Harbert Taylor Thornton, Jr., 85, passed away at Crestview Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in his hometown of Brownsville, TN, on Saturday, April 10, 2010. At his side was his wife of 65 years, Hayden Lanier Thornton. Mr. Thornton was a retired farmer and Angus cattle breeder, operating Thornton Angus Farm for many years with his father, Harbert T. Thornton, Sr. He served as secretary-treasurer and sales manager for the Southeastern Angus Breeders Association. He and his wife, Hayden, built and operated the Mid-south Livestock Center in Brownsville, TN. Mr. Thornton served as a Methodist lay leader and speaker. He and Hayden were coordinators and speakers for the Methodist Lay Witness Mission program throughout many states. For many years, they volunteered as American hosts to students from other countries attending Lambuth College. They also served as travel companions for local church youth groups to places across the Southeastern states. Throughout his life, he served and supported the local churches of Brownsville and Haywood County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harbert T. Thornton, Sr. and Marie Kinney Thornton, and his son-in-law, Tommy McWilliams. He is survived by two daughters: Ree Moses (Jack) of Oxford, MS and Dale McWilliams of Brownsville, TN, and a son, Taylor Thornton, III, of Nashville, TN, five grandchildren: Matt McWilliams (Wendy), Hayden Hooper (Bob), Sarah Moses (Will Schenck), John Moses (Dena), and Taylor Thornton, IV (Erin), and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation for Mr. Thornton will be Thursday, April 15, from 5-7 PM in the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home. Services will be Friday, April 16, at 2 PM in the Tabernacle United Methodist Church, Brownsville, TN, with burial to follow in Tabernacle Cemetery. The family has requested memorials be made to Tabernacle Perpetual Care Fund, c/o Betsy Thornton, 57 Old Hwy 19, Brownsville, TN 38012, or to Christ Church Youth Fund, c/o Annette Phillips, P.O. Box 1522, Brownsville, TN 38012, or to the charity of the donor's choice.