Thursday, December 22, 2011 10:22 am

Joseph Thomas Thornton of Lake Lure, NC passed away Sunday December 11 at the age of 73. He was the son of John and Llewellyn Thornton

A private memorial service will be held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands at a later date.

    Joe is survived by his wife Thelma, his children Christina and Stephen and his brother Jack.

    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Rutherford County POB 336 Forest City NC 28043 or to Fairfield Mountains Volunteer Fire Department 1415 Buffalo Creek Road,

    Crowe Mortuary is serving the family. Lake Lure, NC 28746.