Mr. Bruce Wayne Thornton, 73, of Mocksville, died Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury.

He was born on Oct. 16, 1950 in New London, Conn. to the late Albert Eaton Thornton and Barbara Eleanor White Thornton of Mocksville.

Bruce received a scholarship to play soccer and graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va. He received his master’s degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He was an avid cyclist, and an avid fan of the Washington Capitals, Washington Nationals, and Washington Redskins. Bruce loved both writing and listening to music, mostly bluegrass. He enjoyed playing guitar and mandolin, enjoyed westerns, and especially looked forward to annual trips with his college friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a great-niece, Cora Tew.

In addition to his mother, survivors include: a son, Matt Thornton of Maryland; a stepson, Andrew Nelson of Maryland; a sister, Karen Michael (Craig) of Mocksville; a niece, Shelby Tew (Austin) of Stokesdale; a nephew, Ryan Michael (Sarah) of Salisbury; and 5 great-nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was conducted at 10 a.m., Friday, July 5 at Liberty United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Larry Scott officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be considered for: FB4K at fb4kmaryland.org.