Date and Place: He was born December 25, 1949, in Atlanta, Georgia at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Parents: Leroy Stanford Thornton Sr., lovingly known as “Flunny”, was born to Sally Tolbert and Leroy Thornton.

Early Childhood and Education: Leroy relocated to Cleveland, Ohio at a young age where he enjoyed swimming, dancing, and playing football. He attended John Hay High School from 1963 to 1967.

Religious Involvement: He accepted Christ at a young age, attending the family home church of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Government Service, Employment history/chosen Career or Work Activities: Leroy spent many years in the steel industry working at LTV Steel and Presrite Corporation.

Family, Marriage, Children, etc.: Leroy was married to Jacqueline Lovett from August 24^,1969- 1979 then to Cheryl Thornton October 24, 1998 – 2004, leaving behind a special friend Cheryl Frazier. He leaves behind his children Leroy (Leah) Thornton; Michael (Rosetta) Thornton; Alecia (Randy) Coates; James (Felicia) Norris; Chalise Merlin; Isaac, Abraham, and David Brown; Valerie (Ignace) Chance, Shauntia (Rashad) Williams, Terrance Norris, and Jason (Madison) Thornton.

Hobbies and Special Interests: Leroy enjoyed sports, dancing, home improvement projects, and spending time with his grandchildren. Leroy cherished his sobriety and served as both a member and sponsor.

Treasured Memories: Leroy leaves behind special memories of phone calls to his loved ones, his laugh, his style of dress, and his sense of humor.

He leaves memories shared by his kids: (Alecia) – “When I was in the hospital having Miesha, Dad came to see me daily, he was so in love with his grand daughter! He loved his “Pookum booty”; (Jason) – “When it was snowing Dad was outside shoveling and told me to go in the house, I said no, I was staying out there until he was finished shoveling. He told me that made him proud.; (Val) – “Dad used to make me watch him and the boys do yard work, so that I would know how it’s done and never have to rely on a man to do it. To this day I still take pride in my yard!” ;( Nicki) – “He tried to mimic moves I learned in my karate class, and he hit his head on the wall, so I laughed, he cracked an egg on my head and said, “now that’s funny and laughed at me.”

Remaining Immediate Family

Leroy leaves to cherish his memories his loving mother Sally Tolbert, his siblings Gloria Isham, Janice (Troy) Williams, Angela (Brian) Walker, Theresa Dillard, Wanda Tolbert, and Rudy (Renee) Thornton. In addition to a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Leroy was preceded in death by his father Leroy Thornton, brother Larry Middlebrooks, niece Tonya Hunter, nephew Terry Hunter, and grandson Phil (Tre) Hill III.