Kelly Douglas Thornton

Funeral services for Kelly Douglas Thornton, 57, of Huntington will be held Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin with Brother Lamar Denby officiating. Interment will follow in Jonesville Cemetery.

Kelly Douglas Thornton was born September 6, 1968 in Lufkin, Texas to the late June (Murray) and Doug Thornton and died Saturday, October 18, 2025.

Kelly was a member of Highway Missionary Baptist Church. He was the current president of Jonesville Cemetery and he mentored for several years at Brandon Elementary HOSTS program. In addition, he was a member of the Pineywoods Transportation Club. He was also a lifelong blood donor and registered organ donor.

Kelly graduated from Huntington High School in 1987. He later attended North Carolina State University and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a BBA in 1992.

He started working at Brookshire Brothers while in college and retired April 2024 as Director of Logistics.

Kelly enjoyed many hobbies. After working at Bill’s Sporting Goods while in his early years of college, he became an avid gun collector, even setting up at gun shows. He never missed watching a Cowboys game. He loved punishing his family, coworkers, and friends when the Atlanta Braves beat the Houston Astros. He enjoyed playing 42 and basketball with his friends. He loved grilling, sitting by a nice fire, and rainy, cold days. He and his daughters loved spending time watching SPACEX rocket launches. He spent the last couple of years traveling and RVing with his family across the United States, with only 16 states left to visit.

He is survived by his wife of 33 wonderful years, Wendy Thornton; daughters, Samantha and son-in-law Seth Primera of Austin, Caroline Thornton of College Station, and niece, Zoe Ready of Huntington; brother, Chris and wife Abby Thornton of Lufkin and children Owen, Cooper, and Aubrey; sister, Michelle and husband Josh French and children Olivia and Bradley of Huntington; stepmother, Kathy Thornton of Huntington; sister-in-law, Trina and husband Michael Jones of Newnan, Georgia; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sister, Melanie Thornton.

Pallbearers will be Chris Thornton, Chad Murray, Jason Lowery, Rory Lowery, Ricky Chamblee, and Donald Chamblee.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the 42 Domino Club, Cowboys Watch Party Crew, and his Weekly Basketball Group.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kurth Memorial Animal Shelter, 1901 Hill Street, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.