William Ricardo Thornton, Jr. Obituary (1960 - 2023)

Dr. William Rickcardo Thornton, Jr., 62, of Woodbridge, Va, tragically departed this world on May 14, 2023. "Man" as he was affectionately known, lost his life enroute to adorn his mother's grave with flowers on Mother's Day. Man was born in Washington, DC and later moved to Frederick, MD. After graduating from Frederick County Public Schools, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1978. He worked as a jetliner mechanic and was honorably discharged from service in 1986 as a Senior Airman E-4. In the years that followed he studied Human Services at Sojourner-Douglass College in Baltimore, MD. In June 2023, he will be posthumously conferred with an honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism, the highest honor bestowed by the Global International Alliance, a school which recognizes individuals around the world who help make a positive impact on building better communities. Man dedicated his life to bettering the lives of others. He was employed by Second Genesis, Inc. Residential Treatment program in Crownsville, MD. for over twenty years, ten of which he served as Program Director. Following his tradition of long-standing employment, Man went on to work at Lowes Home Improvement in Chantilly, VA, and Advanced Auto Parts in Woodbridge, VA, from 2013 until his premature departure. Man lived a full life. He loved and was beloved by his family and life-long friends. He and his wife Kim were together for 27 years and married on June 7, 2013. Well known for his no-nonsense nature, he was often sought out for trusted advice and guidance. He found great pleasure in spending time out on the water with friends and leisurely salt-water fishing. He was a true fan of his hometown teams, the Washington Redskins, now known as the Commanders, and the Washington Bullets, now known as the Wizards. Man's appreciation for mechanics gained in the Air Force translated to his life-long enjoyment of motorcycle riding and classic cars. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Kim Thornton; three sisters, Linda Wiggins, Carmen Thornton, and Tuwan Thomas-Phillips (Johnny); children, William Thornton, Jr., Simone Thornton Salley (Travis), Keiara Parks (Chris), Corie Woods (Angela), Terrence Davis (Amanda), Tiara Thornton, Ashley Thornton, Jasmine Ballard, Emmanuel Thornton, and Jabari Thornton; grandchildren, Jada Thornton, Parker Davis, Asia Woods, Corie 'CJ' Woods Jr., and future baby Robinson; uncle, Bobby Thornton; aunt, Roxena Worrell; niece, Chamise Washington (Eddie); nephew, Ajanae Thornton; bonus sister, Joan Russell; close friends, Reggie Williams and Jovan Hamilton; a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends; and his extended family in New Jersey. He was preceded in death by: his parents, Mary Ann and Charles Thomas of Frederick, MD and William Thornton, Sr. of Washington, DC; maternal grandparents, Mary Thompson of Centreville, MD and Allen Dorsey of Montgomery County, MD; paternal grandparents, Maelou Thornton Baskerville and William Nelson, both of Washington, DC; uncles, Elmer Thompson, Daniel Thompson, Charles Jr Thompson and Theodore Thompson; aunt, Ruthie Thompson; and best friend, Ernest Russell.