Keith Thornton

January 19, 1968 - May 31, 2026

John "Keith" Thornton, 58, of Grand Bay, Alabama, passed away on May 31, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on January 19, 1968, in Wetumpka, Alabama. Keith grew up in Eclectic and Tallassee, Alabama, then moved to Grand Bay in 1991, where he spent the rest of his life.

On April 30, 1994, he married his long-time sweetheart, Tammy. They welcomed their son, John Christopher, on July 4,1997. Above all else, Keith cherished his family. He treasured time spent with family and friends and never missed an opportunity to gather with loved ones, share a meal, or enjoy good conversation. A devoted Alabama football fan, he could often be found cheering on the Crimson Tide and following the team he loved.

Memorial services will be held from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 12noon. The family will receive friends from 11am until service time Thursday at the funeral home.

In 1991, Keith began working for Gulf Sales & Supply, Inc., in Pascagoula, Mississippi, where he dedicated 34 years of his life to selling industrial supplies. His co-workers and customers loved and respected him - many of whom became lifelong friends. He had a strong work ethic and a commitment to those he served and worked alongside.

Known for his love of cooking, Keith took great pride in preparing meals for those around him. He was especially known among family and friends for the amazing breakfasts he prepared - fried eggs, grits, biscuits, sausage gravy, and tomato gravy. It became a cherished tradition for many. Whether he was smoking ribs, grilling steaks, cooking fresh seafood, or making breakfast for those he loved, Keith's greatest joy was bringing people together for a good meal.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Brenda Joyce Horn, Sanford Craig Horn, and

John Wayne Thornton; his brothers, Bart Lane Thornton and James Christopher Thornton; his grandparents, Neil and Sadie Rowe, Dan Adair, Chester Thornton, and Bertha Atkins; and his uncle, Donnie Adair. He reunites with them in heaven where he now sits with our Lord and Savior.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 32 years, Tammy Owens Thornton; his son, John Christopher Thornton (Nicole); his brothers, Craig Horn (Lisa) and Tim Horn (Sarah); his aunts, Donna Adair, Sandra Greene (David), Deborah Conway (Ron); his uncles, Howard Rowe (Suzanne), Doug Horn (Debbie), James Horn (Aimee), and Phillip Horn (Lynn) and many nieces, nephews and cousins

Keith is and will be remembered for his kind heart, steady presence, dedication to his family, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. His memory will live on in meals shared, football games watched, stories told, and countless moments spent with those that loved him most. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.