Arthur Ollie Thornton was born on May 27, 1939, in Shumansville, Virginia, to Ollie and Inez Thornton. He was the second oldest of three children. Arthur entered into eternal rest on August 25, 2026, at Morningside Nursing Home in Spotsylvania, Virginia.

Arthur accepted Christ at an early age at Mount Tabor Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend S. H. Carter. He attended services regularly and faithfully served in the Usher and Trustee Ministries Arthur received his early education at Shumansville Elementary School and graduated from Union High School in 1968.  While in high school, he participated in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He later worked at several construction sites in Richmond and Northern Virginia.

Arthur married the love of his life, Sylvia Pleasants, and from their union came their daughter, Gwendolyn D. Thornton. Arthur and Sylvia shared fifty-three years of marriage until she was called home on February 14, 2014 .Arthur lived in Washington, D.C., and worked as a Bio-Lab Technician with the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. Following Sylvia’s passing,  Arthur married Ruby Lee Samuel on August 6, 2016. They remained devoted companions until he was called home to be with the Lord Arthur was a no-nonsense man with a quiet and reserved manner.  He was a friend to all who knew him. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and especially cherished Sunday afternoons playing basketball with his buddies.

Arthur leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ruby Thornton; daughter, Gwendolyn D. Thornton; stepdaughter, Lorianne Smith (Jeffery); stepsons, James Samuel (Quenita) and Wallace (Peanut) Pleasants; six step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth Coleman; brother, Charles “Wes” Thornton (Lillian); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Mt Tabor Baptist Church, 21795 Mattaponi Trail, Milford, Virginia 22514, with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.