Ronald Lee Thornton

Ronald Lee Thornton passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, Ronald (Ronnie) Lee Thornton embraced the joy and peace from the God he had loved and worshipped.   

 Ronnie was born to Havard and Frances Thornton (both deceased) on September 2, 1958, at Hubbard (Meharry) Hospital, Nashville, TN.  He was the fourth of four children.  His brother, Howard Thornton preceded him in death.  He grew up in North Nashville attending St. Vincent de Paul, Wharton and Pearl High Schools. He was baptized into Christ was a faithful member of Scott Avenue Church of Church until God called him home.   

     On April 30, 1992, Ronnie became the proud father of his son, Rashad Jayer Thornton.  He was a present dad from the moment he was born.  He encouraged his son in many sports over the years until his son decided where his interest lied, Taekwondo. He raised his son in the Church and taught him about the love of God. On Feb. 14, 1997, Ronnie was united in Holy Matrimony to Linda R. Leysath.  Their union was not blessed with children of their own, but he became the proud and present stepparent to Donnell Antonio (Deceased), Ja’Mes Leysath Price, and Veloria Brijette Leysath.  He taught the youngest children to ride their first bikes and later, their first cars.  He was in attendance and loudly cheering at their sporting events when work allowed.  He cared for his family well.

  Ronnie worked in excess of 28 years in the medical field.  Originally at the old Parkview Hospital that later became a part of what is now Centennial Tri-Star Medical Center.  During his years there, he received numerous Employee of the Month and Service Awards.  He was a well-liked and respected member of their team.  He worked as a Surgical Tech until he became disable in 2008 and was forced to leave work in 2009.  Although he was ill, he did not let that stop him.  Ronnie focused on his family, hosting many family gatherings.  He loved to entertain family and friends.  Everyone spoke of his wide assorted delicacies, animated discussions and infectious laughter.  At the end of these events, he would contently sit back with his wife and declare “we did it again, the one-two punch”. Laughing together and reminiscing about the day’s events.  Laughter and conversation were their love language.

 He loved tropical fish, specifically African Cichlids.  At one time he had as many as seven tanks where he kept and bred tropical fish.    Ronnie was introduced to football at an early age, and played throughout middle, high school and college years.  While attending Pearl HS “fuzzy”, (as he was called) established himself as a mighty force in football.  Ronnie was recruited by several schools and attended Tennessee State University.  Unfortunately, his football activities came to a halt, suffering from a torn meniscus, a devastating knee injury that never healed properly and limited his mobility.    But that did not end his love for the game.  He rooted for many teams until the TN Titans came to town.  From that time on he was a full-fledged and dedicated Titan fan.  Ronnie loved working in his yard.  It was therapeutic for him after working all day in an intense and stressful surgical environment.  When he was no longer able to work in the yard, his love of cooking took center stage.  He loved trying new recipes and he loved to barbeque.  Ronnie loved to sing, he, could be heard singing God’s praises in his deep baritone voice.  Singing God’s praises was a joy to him, and he could often be heard when he was landscaping his yard, trying a new recipe, barbecuing, or attending his Sea World (like) aquarium.  Even during his numerous stays at Hospitals and Rehab centers he could still be heard singing.

Ronnie leaves to cherish his memories his devoted and loving wife of 26 years, Linda L.  Thornton.  Two daughters; Ja’Mes L. Price (Richard), and Veloria Brijette Leysath.  Son; Rashad Jayer Thornton.  Two siblings; Joanna Thornton Roland, and William S. Thornton (Ernestine).   Granddaughter, Justice Lael Price, brothers-in-law, Paul Robinson, Theron Robinson and Walter E. Robinson (Margaret), Sister-in-law, Ruth C. Frink (Perry); Nieces, Teresa Elaine, Tristina Elise, and Sonya Althea Thornton.  And a host of other relatives and friends.