Delma Ray Thornton

Delma “Ray” Thornton, 87, of Garner NC went home to be with the Lord on February 26, 2021 after a 12-month battle with ALS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Rettie Darden Thornton; sisters Virginia and Gertrude; and brothers Cecil Floyd, William “Short”, and Melvin “Buddy”. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Jean Hill Thornton; two sons, Scott (Dena) and Tracy (Teresa); and one brother Robert Earl. He is also survived by four granddaughters, Jill (Stuart), Jana (Matt), Jenni (Martin), and Jessie (Lucas). Also left to cherish his memory are seven great-grandchildren, Jordan, Rose, Jack, Sarah, Turner, Thornton, and Wells and a large and loving extended family. Ray served his country in the 82nd Airborne. He was drafted in 1955 as a paratrooper and traveled Germany and Holland. He was always proud of his service and spoke often of his experience. After marrying Mary Jean in 1959, they moved to Raleigh before moving to Garner in 1962. Ray was a man of ingenuity and loved to tinker in his garage. He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything and everything. He once tried to create perpetual motion with the goal of sustaining perpetual energy. He spent several years enjoying the challenge. He loved to garden and took pride in his lawn. He took care of feeding all of the neighborhood critters and had numerous bird feeders and squirrel feeders about the yard. In his younger days, he loved fishing and always enjoyed being outdoors with the ocean being one of his favorite places. Over the years, Ray owned several businesses in Wake and Johnston Counties. He was an entrepreneur by trade, and was in the restaurant & hospitality industry as well as real estate property management. Ray had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need without question. During his time in property management, he helped many of his tenants during power outages or other unfortunate circumstances. He carried candy in his pockets to hand out to the children, and they always had big smiles when Mr. Ray came to visit. Ray was a family man and loved his family deeply. Whether it was advice, an ear to listen, or encouragement, Ray was always available and gave his attention freely. It was important to him to spend quality time with his boys growing up and never missed a football game or practice. After raising two sons, he was delighted when he was blessed with four granddaughters and quickly adjusted to dance recitals and softball games. A private service is being arranged by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Association, 4 N Blount St #200, Raleigh, NC 27601