LaVerne Windsow Thornton, age 87, passed away peacefully August 17, 2024 at First Health Hospice House in Pinehurst, NC.
LaVerne was born February 17, 1937, in Pittsylvania County, VA to the late Ethel May Pruitt and Perry James Thornton. He was a 1955 graduate of Ruffin High School, Ruffin, NC and a 1959 graduate of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA where he received a BS in Mechanical Engineering. LaVerne married his high school sweetheart Lucille Baker in 1957. They later moved to Greensboro, NC to begin his employment with Pomona Pipe Products for 18 years, and then started his own engineering and construction company with two partners called Wagester, Walker, Thornton, LLC. During his career, he worked in engineering, design, construction, and consulting, as well as development of alternative energy systems and construction of animal feed facilities. In addition to these, he owned rental property companies, flower shops and fitness center.
LaVerne and Lucille moved to Sanford, NC in 1962 to supervise the construction of a new sewer pipe plant. After construction was completed, LaVerne remained with Pomona Corporation in the capacity of Plant Manager, and VP of Operations for facilities in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. He was a charter member of Gate City Jaycees, Greensboro, NC and upon moving to Sanford joined the Sanford Jaycees. He then moved to Goldston, NC in 1963 where he was active in the Goldston Methodist Church serving on many boards and chaired the Pastor/Staff Committee for 12 years. He taught the Senior Youth Class and Senior Adults Class for many years and served as Sunday School Superintendent. In addition to his church leadership, he served several terms on the Goldston Town Board and Goldston Lions Club in various capacities.
Of the many ventures LaVerne was involved in, he was most intrigued with the startup of West Indies Marine Culture. The venture developed a method of raising Caribbean King Crabs on the East Indies Island of North Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
LaVerne was known by all to be a skilled storyteller. He authored three books: Walk in ‘e Moon, You Ain’t Moses and Rooted in the Bend. Walk in ’e Moon was rated by “Kirkus Review” as one of the best hundred self-published books of 2010.
In his retirement years LaVerne and Lucille travelled with dear friends to many wonderful destinations. His most cherished times were spent with his family, beloved church walking/chat group and friends young and old.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lucille Baker Thornton; son, Perry J. Thornton (Mara) of Wake Forest, NC; daughter LaVisa Thornton Evans (Doyle) of Beaufort, NC; sister Brenda Meeks (David); grand-daughter Chelsea Nicole Evans of Wilmington, NC and a special friend and caregiver Made Adame. LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents and sister Betty Jean Palmer and Elaine Jones.
The family wishes to thank the kind management and loving staff at Parkview Retirement Village, Sanford, NC and the caring staff at First Health Hospice & Palliative Care, Pinehurst, NC for taking such great care of him during his final days.
Memorial contributions may be made to Goldston Methodist Church, P.O. Box 99, Goldston, NC 27252 and/or First Health Hospice & Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.
Online condolences may be made at www.millerboles.com
Services entrusted to Miller-Boles Funeral Home of Sanford, NC.
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