Raymond was born and raised in Eureka, where after making it to the 8th grade he decided it was time to work. He was very proud of being born, raised and to later work for the Nichols Ranch and Garbage Company, which was located from Elk River Road to where Pierson’s sits on Broadway in Eureka. He met and then married his wife Elizabeth Marie Wilson on Oct. 26, 1943. They spent 72 years together. They had their only son, Raymond H. Thornton, on Jan. 31, 1945.

Raymond spent his days working at the small mill in Rio Dell until 1955, then moved his family from Rio Dell to Korbel to work for the Simpson Timber Company, working 29 years then and retiring in 1984.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, his daughter Janet Rae, his parents Albert Thornton and Lillian England Thornton and his brothers, Robert, Albert, Kenneth and Rodney, his sisters Mable and Julia and his sister-in-law Anita Wilson Campbell.

Raymond is survived by his son Raymond H. Thornton (Patricia) of Tunnel Hill, Ga., his granddaughter Rebecca Thornton (Ramon Raygoza) of Blue Lake, his great-grandchildren Ayla, Zarron and Virginia Ramsey of McKinleyville, great-great-grandchildren Tobias, Guyier, Payten-Rae, Olivia and Julianna, his niece Robin Wilson and his greatniece and greatnephew Raeanne and Richard Hall. Giving special thanks to Raeanne for all the help with both Grandma and Grandpa over the years. Ray was also survived by his brother in-law Leroy Wilson, also Patricia Strobel who was a great help to Raeanne, and many more family and friends.

A celebration of life will be at The E & O Lanes on Sunday June 4th, 2017 from 2 to 5 p.m. This will be a potluck, so please bring a dish and share memories of Ray. You can contact Beckie @ (707) 668-5530 or Robin @ (707) 296-4571 for further information.