Charles C. Thornton Jr. (Charlie), age 76 passed away peacefully at his home on January 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Charlie was born on December 13, 1947, to Charles C. Thornton Sr. and Ethel Quarles Thornton from Hartwell, Georgia. In addition to his devoted wife Susan of 52 years, Charlie leaves son Craig and his wife Lane (Brown) of Anderson SC who are the parents of grandsons Calloway and Davis Thornton; daughter Claire (Long) and her husband Timothy, parents to Spencer Austin, Sydney Austin, Ashleigh Long, Henry Long and Caroline Long. Charlie also leaves behind his sister Gloria Eaves (Bill Eaves) of Belton SC and his adoring mother in law Louise Ayers of Hartwell, Georgia.

Charlie graduated from Hart County High School in 1965 and attended North Georgia College and graduated from the University of Georgia. Charlie served in the US Marine Corps from April 1967 to April 1970. This included a 13-month tour of duty in Vietnam where he served as an infantryman in the Marines. He received various medals which included the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Achievement Medal with combat V for Valor, and the Purple Heart during the 77-day battle and siege of Khe Sanh.

Charlie began his career in public accounting in 1973 when he accepted a job with Elliott Davis and company in Greenville. In 1980 Charlie opened a new office in Anderson. Over the next 35 years he invested his time in growing the business, serving his clients and becoming a part of the Anderson community.

Charlie served on many local boards, such as United Way of Anderson County, Chamber of Commerce, AnMed Trustee and Chairman of the board, Tri-County Technical College Foundation, YMCA board, New Foundation Home for Children, Haven of Rest, Innovate Anderson, Downtown Development Corporation, South Carolina Heritage Corridor, Sertoma Club, Optimist Club, FBC housing ministry and FBC Deacon and long-term Treasurer.

Charlie loved to spend his time with his family and friends; enjoyed traveling with Susan and friends to all the best wineries; watching sunsets from his favorite Mountain view, cheering on his Georgia Bulldogs, being the biggest supporter for all his grandchildren's sports and activities, and serving others in any way he could.

A celebration of Charlie's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Anderson SC.

The family will be available for visitation following the service at the Bleckley Inn.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to benefit others. They have names the following nonprofits for consideration: Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621, or First Baptist Church, 307 South Manning Street, Anderson, SC 29624.

The Sullivan-King Mortuary of Anderson is in charge of all arrangements.  On-line condolences can be sent to the family at www.sullivanking.com

This announcement courtesy of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.