Larry Robert Thornton
Larry R. Thornton, 83, of Simpsonville, husband of Sandra Knowlton Thirnthon went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
Born in Piqua, OH, Dr. Thornton was a son of the late Robert & Nellie Wiltheiss Thornton.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by their daughters, Kimberly (Rev. Stephen) Weaver, and Heidi (William) Arndt; grandchildren, Bradley (Shelby) Weaver, Courtney (Logan) George, Evan (Alyssa) Weaver, Brittney Arndt, William (Erin) Arndt, and John Arndt; great-grandchildren, Hazel Weaver, Bryce Weaver, Morgan Weaver, and Theo George; and two siblings, Tanya (Ralph) Shewell, and Gale (Judy) Thornton.
Dr. Thornton was preceded in death by one brother, Steven Thornton.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Cannon Byrd Funeral Home – Simpsonville, 313 N. Main St, Simpsonville, SC 29681 with Pastor Robert Graziano officiating. Interment will follow in Cannon Byrd Memorial Park in Fountain Inn.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home starting at 12:00 pm.
Bobby and I were so sorry to hear of Pastor’s passing. He had great influence in my entire family’s lives. We rejoice with you in the knowledge the he is now in glory with Jesus!! Much love to all.
The Shimps
Kim and Heidi.
Comfort to you at this time. Hope and peace are such a gift. Shawn’s mom passed just 4 days before him. Both are beautiful saints. Love to you.
Praying for Sandy, Kim, and Heidi! Dr Thornton was such a great man. He was such a passionate teacher. Whether he was teaching Greek book studies, the Christian Home, and later i took 6 counseling courses he taught. I earned a diploma in Counseling in 1991, a program he developed. I think of him often. May the God of all comfort fill you all with His peace!
We sorrow for our loss, but rejoice to know that Pastor Thornton is face to face with his Savior for whom he served so faithfully for so many years.
We appreciated the many years he taught our Sunday School class at Calvary Lansdale.
We pray peace over your family .
Love,
Loren and Carla Williams
Praying for you all
His faith is now sight and he is rejoicing with his Savior
So much appreciate for a teacher who had a huge impact in our walk with the Lord
So many fun memories as we served together on staff and having Kim and Heidi part of the youth group
Love you all
Brian and Jean
Your father, Dr Thornton and mother, Sandy had such a positive godly influence in our lives. We will forever be grateful for all we learned from him and the friendship through the years. May you find comfort as you remember him and in knowing he is forever with the Lord! Praying for you!
We are praying for the family. I have known Larry since 1962 in Bible College. He was my professor of elementary Greek in seminary in 1967. I treasure the memories of him and his family.
Gene and Norma McCubbin.
Pastor Thornton played an integral role in my teenage years at Calvary. I’m so thankful for his leadership and his deep love for God’s people. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Thornton, Pastor and Kim, the Arndt family, and the entire family. Praying for you all. ❤️
Erica Dubler
Sandy, Kim and Heidi; May our Lord comfort you and give you peace as you rest in His love. I have fond memories of serving at your church and am so thankful for Your husband’s ministry. Wayne went to be with the Lord on June 30. Roma Schankweiler
We are sorry for your loss. Looking forward to being together one day ! I’m very grateful for the ministry they worked hard at serving our Lord! Prayers for All of the family!
Jeff and Cheryl Buckworth