Rev. Arthur A. Thornton, Jr., 84, of Benton, left this life for his heavenly home on Thursday, October 19, 2023, after a lengthy battle with dementia.

He was born on January 9, 1939, to the late Arthur and Myrtle Totherow Thornton, Sr. He spent 65 years married to the love of his life, Opal G. Wilson Thornton, who only beat him home by a few short months.

A member of the Baptist faith, he was ordained to preach Gods word in 1975 and went on to pastor Pine Ridge Baptist Church in Benton, and Mountain Springs Baptist Church in Old Fort, both twice thru the years. He was a member of Shady Springs Baptist Church where he attended until he was no longer able.

In addition to his parents, Arthur and Myrtle Thornton, Sr., and his beloved wife Opal G. Thornton, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Walter Thornton, Winston Thornton, and Wyman Thornton; one grandson, Kyle Conner.

Left to cherish his legacy are his daughters, Tammy (John) Epperson, and Lisa (Bo) Lewis; brother, Wesley Thornton; sister, Mary (Charles) King; grandchildren, Misti Earwood, Justin (Sarah) Conner, and Katey (Serge) Foster. Several nieces and nephews, and 3 great-grandchildren that he adored, Raelyn Conner, Will Foster, and Weslyn Foster also survive.

A Celebration of Life graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Old Ocoee Cemetery with Pastor Eddie Trentham and Bro. Rick Casey presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Helping Hands Care Ministry, P.O. Box 852, Dunlap, TN 37327.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation with gratitude to Hospice of Chattanooga and Bro. Rick Casey and family for loving him like he belonged to them.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.