Charles William Thornton, 84, of Rosston, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 22, 2022. He was born in Hempstead County, Arkansas on July 25, 1937 to Orby James Thornton and Laverne Smith Thornton.

Charles Thornton was a Missionary Baptist minister who loved the Lord and served Him faithfully. He surrendered to preach the Gospel in 1964 and was ordained at Unity Baptist Church in Hope, Arkansas in 1965. He pastored numerous churches and served as a missionary, planting Churches in Gardendale, Texas and Windmill, New Mexico. He will be missed by his loving family and many friends.

Charles is survived by his wife, Shirley (Sinclair) Thornton of the home; one son, Rodney Thornton and wife Lisa of Bodcaw, Arkansas; one daughter, Lynn Smith and husband Mark, of Rosston, Arkansas; one brother, Howard Thornton and wife Judy; one sister, Ginny Thornton Dickerson and husband, Harrel. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Jalyn Barba, Alison Gravely, Daniel Smith, John Paul Smith, Orin Hampton, Hannah Ham, and Chance Thornton; 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great- great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orby James and Laverne Smith Thornton and a brother, James Thornton.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 1-2pm with funeral service to follow at 2pm at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home in Hope, Arkansas. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Nevada County, Arkansas, immediately following.

Bro. Rodney Langston, Bro. James Cox, and Bro. Kenneth Bobo will officiate the service.

Pallbearers are Daniel Smith, John Paul Smith, Chance Thornton, Tommy Peck, Joel Barba, and Jack Curtis.

Funeral services are under the direction of BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com