Robert Emmett Thornton, III (Bob) age 87 of Toccoa died May 7, 2025.

Bob was born July 5, 1937 in Beaumont, Texas, a son of the late Robert Emmett II and Frances Lawrence Thornton. He grew up in Toccoa and graduated from Toccoa High School in 1955. He began a career in funeral service at an early age and eventually became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens where he had previously served as an Elder.

He is survived by his children, Anita Thornton, Robert (Cathy) Thornton, Peter Thornton (Greg Cannon) all of Toccoa; his sister, Marianne (Ashton) Smith of Midland, GA; his grandchildren, Mollie (Sean) Payne of Hartwell, Jake (Alyssa) Thornton of Auburn, AL; great grandchildren, Knox, Duke and Stella Kate Payne, Shaw and Sutton Thornton.

Bob's children would like to express their thanks to the staff of Pruitt Health Toccoa and Pruitt Health Hospice for their care these past several months.

Private funeral services will be held.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net

Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Robert Emmett Thornton, III (Bob).