Mark Alan Thornton

Mark Alan Thornton, 67, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, family, friendship, and countless memories that will be treasured by those who knew and loved him.

Mark loved God deeply, and his faith was at the center of his life. His greatest earthly love, however, was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend who valued the people God placed in his life.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Paula; his daughters, Megan and Jenny; his son, Matthew (Carlee); his brothers, Jon (Julie) and Lee; his mother-in-law, Linda Crossland; along with his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephew, and many dear friends who will miss him dearly.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Richard Thornton, and his mother Rita Truitt Thornton.

Mark had many passions throughout his life. He loved cycling and the freedom and joy that came with riding his bicycle. In his later years, Parkinson's disease and dementia took away his ability to ride, but cycling remained a meaningful part of the life he had enjoyed and the memories he created. He also had a deep appreciation for jazz, loved grilling and sharing meals with family and friends, and enjoyed playing his bass guitar. Mark was an avid reader, especially enjoying Tom Clancy novels and, most importantly, the Bible.

Mark's life was not defined by the challenges of his final years, but by the man he was before them - the husband, father, brother, friend, musician, cyclist, reader. and man of faith who loved his family deeply.

He will be deeply missed, but his family takes comfort in knowing that Mark is now free from the struggles of this life and resting peacefully with his Lord.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 3 at 2pm at Pitts Baptist Church in Concord, NC.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Thornton family