Richard Thornton

A Time To Be Born Richard Allen Thornton, was born April 6, 1967 to Ruth Jennings Thornton and Charles Walker Sr. in Columbus, Ohio. Richard fondly known as “Turtleman” was the second eldest of 5 children.
A Time To Live Richard, attended Columbus Public Schools and graduated from East High School. After high school he worked in various fields including Front Desk Agent at Waterford Towers for many years and the YMCA of Central Ohio.
Richard, loved and assisted in the rearing of many family and friend’s children over the years and was affectionally known as Uncle Richard. He had a heart for young people and often encouraged them to strive to do their best and love themselves no matter what others thought of them.
Richard enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was the life of the party. You would always find him in the middle of the dance floor with a crowd watching him in amazement as he danced and moved across the floor.
Richard had a passion for decorating and interior design. He decorated for many family and friends over the years. He would put colors together you would never imagine and turned them into a masterpiece that was worthy enough to have shown in a magazine. Richard had an eye for style and fashion and would take pride in what he would wear. He was known for his cowboy boots and chaps.
A Time To Love Richard loved his family, Sisters, Patricia Thornton, Markita Walker; Brother, Ronald Thornton; Nephews, Eric Groce, Curmar Whitney, Curwan Whitney; Niece, Shimmar (Shimmy) Whitney; Aunt, Margaret Lee; Special Cousin, Erica Owens, Special Friends George Bell, Carla Dunn, Djinn Curtis and a host of other special Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends.
Preceded in death by Mother, Ruth Thornton; Father, Charles Walker Sr.; Brother, Charles Walker Jr.; Grandmother Bessie Jennings.
A Time To Depart Richard “Turtleman” Thornton flew softly into the arms of God on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021 where “He Made It Home To Rest”

Please revisit this page and pray for the Thornton family as they write the obituary for Richard.

PUBLIC Visitation 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Monday July 19, 2021 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.). Interment at Union Cemetery Association.