Thomas "Kent" Thornton

Thomas “Kent” Thornton, 25, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021.

Kent was born on June 7, 1996 in Harnett County and grew up Sampson County, graduating from Midway High School in 2014.  He was an athlete since he was old enough to hold a bat and throw a football, playing up until he graduated. He was a player on the Sampson County Allstar baseball team in 2008, with the team winning the SWAC State Championship.  His love for baseball never stopped and he was a proud member of the Midway High School State Championship Baseball team in 2014.  Kent was loved by his peers, teammates and had numerous friends that he has kept in contact with even after graduation.  Kent’s other passions were hunting, fishing and surfing, which he excelled at. He had a smile that would light up a room and a personality to where you couldn’t help but instantly like him. He also loved music and the beach, and hanging out with his friends and family. Kent will never be forgotten - because his love will never leave us.

Kent is survived by his parents: his Dad, Timothy E. Thornton of Clinton; mother, Dana S. Thornton and fiance’ John Brooks of Hampstead; two sisters: Hana Baggett and husband, Riley of Dunn and Ashleigh Burch Fermanides and husband, Robert of Fayetteville; maternal grandmother, Linda Sykes of Clinton and paternal grandmother, Catherine Thornton of Clinton; his special Uncle and Aunt, Drew and Tammy Thornton and his cousin, who was more like a brother, Andrew Thornton. He also leaves behind two nieces, whom he adored, Caroline Baggett and Madelyn Fermanides and was looking forward to the arrival of his little nephew, Dustin Baggett, who should be here in November.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Tommy Sykes and paternal grandfather, Linwood (Toby) Thornton.  

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 12th at 2:00 pm at Royal-Hall Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Hall and Rev. Tommy Honeycutt officiating.  There will be no visitation at the funeral home; however, the family will receiving friends at both of Kent’s grandmother’s homes, Mrs. Linda Sykes at 570 Parker Memorial Road, Clinton; and Mrs. Catherine Thornton’s at 1325 Harmony Church Rd., Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to “The Oxford House” of Wilmington. 

Royal-Hall Funeral Home is honored to serve the Thornton family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas "Kent" Thornton, please visit our floral store.