Howard Thornton, Jr.

Howard Thornton, Jr., 52, of Port Charlotte passed away July 18, 2009. He was the son of Howard and Frances (Randolph) Thornton, Sr., born April 14, 1957 in Pittsburgh, PA. Howard spent his childhood in Fort Myers and graduated from North Fort Myers High in 1975; he played football and was a member of the band there. Howard served as a Firefighter in Charlotte County for 22 years. He also DJ'd at Boomers, Gators, and Stump Pass as well as for many events as the owner of Teddy Bear Productions. Always involved in his community, Howard helped raise funds for MDA and was a member of the local IAAF and Fire & Irons Motorcycle Club; he was of the Jehovah's Witness faith. He enjoyed all sports and was a fan of the Chicago Bears. He played flag football and softball, and helped organize and played in the annual Miami Dolphins vs Firefighters softball game. Howard will be greatly missed by his daughter, Christina (Rick, Sr.) Mack; son, David Smith; grandchildren, Ricky, Carrick, and Alexis Mack; parents, Howard and Frances Thornton, Sr.; sister, Arlene (Rey) Moodie; ex-wife, Tina Reed; long time companion, Lisa D'Imperio, daughter, Crystal Wheeler and her children, E'Lisa and Elijah Howell; best friends, Juancarlos (JC) Cadenas, George Bartlett, Liana Neumeyer, Rhonda Richards, Michelle Kossel, and John (Laurie) McMahon; and his brotherhood of Firemen. The family will receive friends 3:00-8:00 pm Friday, July 24, 2009 at Larry Taylor Funeral and Cremation Services, Punta Gorda, and Noon-2:00 pm Saturday, July 25 at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center. The service in celebration of Howard's life will be at 2:00 pm at the Event Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the MDA, 6225 Presidential Ct, Suite B, Fort Myers, FL 33919. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book.