Sammie C. Thornton

SEPTEMBER 4, 1947 - JULY 3, 2011 GARNER - Sammie Clive Thornton, 63, died Sunday following a prolonged illness. Born in 1947, Sammie was the youngest of 4 children born to Dorothy Eason Thornton and the lateAlonzo Thornton. Sammie served in the United States Air Force, proudly defending his country during the Vietnam War. Employed by the State of North Carolina for over 30 years, Sammie served as Dean of the Applied Technologies Division at Wake Technical Community College. He was devoted to his work and his Wake Tech family was very dear to him throughout his life. A Memorial Service will be held at2:00 PM Friday at Bryan-Lee Funeral Chapel, Garner. The family will receive friends following the service.In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Eddie Ray Thornton and nephew,Kevin Thornton.Sammie is survived by his mother, Dorothy Thornton of Raleigh; daughter, Angela Sam Lanier andhusband, Andy of Wilsons Mills; son, Bryan Thornton and wife, Gloria of Garner; two grandchildren,Kellen Johnson of Micro and Justine Langley and husband, Jase of Kapolei, HI. Also remaining tohonor his memory are his brother, Sherwood Thornton and wife, Charlotte; sister, Kay Johnson andhusband, Stuart and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Hospice of Wake County for the care theyprovided during Sammies illness. While we grieve for our loved one, we are without a doubt, a blessed family to have had Sammie to lead the way and guide us to this point in our lives. His influence is enduring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Wake Tech Foundation, The Sammie C.Thornton Memorial Scholarship Fund, 9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC27603For additionalinformation call: Wake Tech Foundation at 919-866-5927. Condolences to bryan-leefuneralhome.com.