Carl M. Thornton, age 78, of Sulligent, AL, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026 at Arabella Health and Wellness in Vernon, AL. Funeral services with Masonic Rites will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 2:00pm from the Otts Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Wofford Cemetery. Bro. Jeremy Hollis to officiate. Visitation will be held at the funeral home prior to the funeral service from 1:00pm until 2:00pm.

Pallbearers: Bryan O’Mary, Trey Wheeler, Anthony Edwards, Flynn Allen

Carl was born on March 28, 1948 in Amory, MS to the late Coy I. Thornton and the late Annie Belle Flynn Thornton. He was a 1967 graduate of Lamar County High School and later graduated from Livingston University. Carl did his student teaching at Sulligent and taught at Kennedy High School. He retired from the State of Alabama Department of Public Health where he served as an Environmentalist Supervisor. He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge for almost 50 years. Carl enjoyed antiques and working with old cars. He was very compassionate about his community and loved serving others, especially helping cook and provide meals for local charities and providing shoes for needy children. Carl was a member of Oak Hill Methodist Church. His humble spirit and servant heart will forever be honored and cherished by all who loved and knew him.

Survived By:

Wife: Judy Thornton, Sulligent, AL

Son: Carl Thornton II, Sulligent, AL

Daughter: Nikki Malensky, Tuscaloosa, AL

Sister: Linda Oliver (Dewayne), Sulligent, AL

Special Friend: Wayne Baines, Millport, AL

Grandchildren: Ethan Malensky (Maci), Washington, DC

and Mia Malensky, Tuscaloosa, AL

Preceded In Death By:

Parents: Coy and Annie Belle Thornton

Brother: Arthur Thornton

Sister: Brenda McNees

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at: www.ottsfuneralhome.net

Otts Funeral Home

Sulligent, AL, Directing