Thornton, Jerry Wayne, 68, of Charlotte, N.C., passed away on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012. He was born on Jan. 23, 1943 in Monterrey, Calif. He was the son of Samuel Bradley Thornton and Naomi Faye Thornton. Jerry was raised in Wichita, Kan., and graduated from Wichita West High School in 1961, where he excelled in athletics and earned varsity letters in four sports. Jerry then attended the University of Kansas, graduating in 1965, where he was a member of the football and baseball teams and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Following graduation Jerry embarked on a long career in the insurance and financial services industry, where he built a successful record of developing and growing businesses for a number of companies, including American Express, Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, and The New England Life Insurance Company. Since 2004, Jerry worked for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority where he helped lead partnership development for Visit Charlotte. Working with the people and partners at Visit Charlotte was Jerry's most enjoyable professional experience. More than anything, Jerry relished being a father and grandfather and touched the lives of more than just his own children and grandchildren. A constant presence at the fields, the playgrounds, the recitals, Jerry found no greater joy than to support and encourage not only the children participating but also forged relationships with the other parents. A lifelong golfer, Jerry developed enduring relationships on the course and found no greater joy than a round with his three sons. Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Bradley Thornton. Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Susan Andrews Thornton, and their children: Jeff Thornton (Patty), Brad Thornton (Heather), and Wes Thornton (Kendra), all of Charlotte. He is also survived by his mother, Faye Thornton, 7 grandchildren: Trent, Lindsay, Anna Catherine, Peter, Patrick, Jenna and Reagan, and his trusted dog Scout. A service to celebrate the life of Jerry Thornton will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 at Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor Scott Suskovic officiating. Reception immediately to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC, 28226 and the (http://honor.americanheart.org/goto/jerrythornton).