Charles Earl Thornton was born on May 13, 1942 in Dallas, Texas to Buddy and Dorothy Thornton. He received his formal education in the Dallas Independent School District and attended Lincoln High School.

Charles accepted Christ and attended Greater New Mt. Herman Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Jack Criss.

Charles was a hard worker. He worked for Union Boilermakers and then he later started his own truck driving business where he retired.

Charles later met and married Mozell Earlene Thornton and they remained married until her passing.

Charles passed away on June 26, 2018 in Mansfield, Texas, where he was living with his niece Demetria L. Watts. He is preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Thornton; wife Mozell Thornton; grandson Larry Norsworthy; four brothers: Carl Reed, Stanley Claud Thornton, Caris Thornton, and Bill Thomas; sister Carol Reed and son-in-law Lawrence Smith

Charles leaves to cherish his memories, his father Buddy Lou Thornton; six children: Lance Earl Thornton, Venus Marie Smith, Marcus Lanell Norsworthy (Marva), Russell Norsworthy, Ayanna M. Butler and Taureielle Tawny Thornton; three sisters: Marian Faye Robertson, Tempie Lorraine Williams (W.T.) and Lidabel Smith; one brother: Bobby Joe Thornton; fourteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.