Ernest Elvin "Buddy" Thornton Jr., a native and resident of Chatom, died at his home on Dec. 18, 2008, at the age of 78. A retired plant manager at Vulcan Materials and Dravo, he was a member of Springbank Baptist Church, a Mason, a member Chatom Lodge No. 740, Abba Temple Shrine in Mobile, Washington County Shrine Club, Alazar Shrine in Montgomery and the president of the Oriental Band. He was a former member of the Civitan Club in Woodstock. A loving father and family man, he coached youth baseball, umpired ladies softball and was an active sportsman and involved in community service.

Survivors include a son, Ken (Tammy) Thornton of St. Stephens; one daughter, Pamela T. (Carl) Johnson of Millbrook; three brothers, Billy Thornton, Jimmy Thornton and Bobby Thornton, all of Chatom; two sisters, Voncile Brown of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Delores Blount of McIntosh; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were Dec. 20 at Springbank Baptist Church with the Rev. Ricky Revette officiating followed by a Masonic graveside service conducted in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were members of the Chatom Lodge No. 740 with arrangements directed by Lathan Funeral Home of Chatom.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.lathanfuneralhomes.com.