Mr. Howard Eugene Thornton, Jr., 62, of Buckatunna, MS passed from this life Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Virginia Beach, VA on Sunday, March 17, 1963, to the late Howard Eugene Thornton, Sr. and Polly Thornton. He retired as a Truck Driver for C. E. Harold Company. Mr. Thornton is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Sylvia Thornton of Buckatunna, MS; three sons, Dustin Paul Thornton (Sherry), Derek Thornton (Brooke), both of State Line, MS, and Kaleb Wayne Thornton (Kaley) of Buckatunna, MS; daughter, Brittany Shaw (Brad) of Chunchula, AL; two stepsons, Darryl Wayne Loper (Jeresa) and Johnny Lee Loper (Christie), both of Fruitdale, AL; three stepdaughters, Tanya Jones (Bradley) of Wagarville, AL, Lisa Goldman (Kevin) of Millry, AL, and Susan Cooley (Brent) of Buckatunna, MS; sister, Charlotte Young (Terry) of State Line, MS; honorary mother, Grady Sue Jones of Buckatunna; a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation for Mr. Thornton will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, June 27, 2025, at Freeman Funeral Home, 1305 Skyland Drive, Waynesboro, MS. A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Thornton Cemetery in State Line, MS with Rev. Bryan Jordan officiating. Interment will be in Thornton Cemetery in State Line, MS.