On Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 Elbert Ray Thornton, 83, passed away at Cullman Regional Hospital. Visitation will be held Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home from 1:30-3 p.m.
A U.S. Navy veteran and longtime member of the Teamsters Union, Ray returned to his hometown of Cullman in 2003.
Ray is survived by his wife Melba Ann Purvis-Thornton; three brothers Douglas (Irene) Thornton, Bryant (Alice) Thornton, Jr., and Lee Thornton; five daughters Lisa Marie (Ed) Dillinger, Elizabeth Ann Thornton, Cynthia Rose Frankhauser, Melissa Catherine Thornton, and Theresa Elnora (James) Pruitt; stepson Nathan Purvis; stepdaughter Julie (Kevin) Stein; seven grandchildren James R. (Jenny) Thornton, Bryan James, Loryn (Josh) Peace, William Tighe, Kyle (Bethany) Frankhauser, John James, and Luke Frankhauser; three great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.
