Garrett Walthall Thornton Jr.

garrett thornton jr.

September 13, 1928 ~ February 18, 2020

Born in: Palmetto, GA
Resided in: Dunwoody, GA

Dr. Garrett Walthall Thornton Jr. of Dunwoody, GA, passed away on February 18th, 2020 at his home from a long battle with cancer. By his side were daughter Lyn and son in law, Dan.

His wife, Fran Phillips Thornton predeceased him, passing away in September 2015. Garrett is survived by son, Spencer Thornton, daughter, Lyn Thornton Peterson & her Husband Daniel Peterson, grandchildren Alexander Stephen Wyche, Christopher Phillip Wyche, Hunter Vincent Thornton and a lifetime of relatives and friends.

Born in Palmetto, GA to Garrett W. “Red” Thornton Sr. and Adele Turner Thornton, Garrett graduated from Druid Hills High School in 1946 and Mercer University, Macon in 1950. He was an Eagle Scout in Troop 55 Emory and a Kappa Sigma Fraternity brother. He joined the US Navy during the Korean War and became a Medical Corpsman.

While stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland, Garrett met an amazing woman at the wedding of a close friend back in Savannah, GA. That spitfire of a gal, Fran Phillips must have cherished his talents a bit more than Uncle Sam, so naturally he then pledged his allegiance to her. Garrett and Fran were married and moved to Savannah where he took a job with the Health Department.

Aware that her husband would not be satisfied with a plain ole government job and it’s career trajectory, Fran encouraged Garrett to reach for the stars and add a title to his name. “Dr.” would be a good enough start. They moved to Athens, GA where Garrett was accepted at the University of Georgia’s School of Veterinary Medicine. During their five years in Athens, Spencer & Lyn were born. In 1959 the family of four moved to Chamblee, GA where Dr. Garrett W. Thornton, Jr. officially began his Veterinary career at Peachtree Animal Hospital under the wings of his mentor, Dr. W. J. “Dub” Greenway.

A few years later, Fran & Garrett came up with a novel idea on how they could spend some more “family time” together: They could open their own mom & pop veterinary hospital! Thornton Animal Clinic was nestled between the car dealerships and fast food meccas of Buford Highway where Fran would run the office, Garrett could do the doctoring and Spencer & Lyn could help tend to the animals. And for the next twenty-five years, while other families took vacations surrounded by the majestic views of Yellowstone National Park or the imaginary worlds of Disneyland, the Thornton’s spent their holidays & weekends at the animal clinic tending to their client’s beloved pets… healing them, feeding them and of course “scooping” up after them. [Insert Garrett’s big smile here.]

People that knew Garrett called him a “character,” a “true gentleman,” a “mentor,” a “devoted husband & father” and a “sucker for any animal in need” (well, the ones he couldn’t eat). He became sort of a surrogate father to many of his “kennel boys & girls” who would come to work at Thornton Animal Clinic. Gordy, Tom, Raymond, Pat, Beverly & Michael White would take those valuable life-lessons gleaned from their time spent under Dr. Thornton and the watchful eye of Fran Thornton and let them shape their own lives & career paths. Neighborhood youngster, John Tarabula would go the distance, becoming a Vet himself and then pass the baton to his own daughter, a second generation Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. His clients and friends remind us daily of Garrett’s extraordinary patience, generosity, bedside manner and legacy that lives on.

One might wonder how a family man with two children and his own veterinary practice would have time for other pursuits and hobbies? Garrett would admit that he was an abysmal golfer, a turtle-pace swimmer and impatient fisherman, but he eventually found a hobby that he excelled at… skeet shooting. He and Fran both became trophy winning “gun slingers” and pistol packing firearm enthusiasts, collecting an arsenal of firearms and trophies over the years. They even reloaded all their spent shotgun shells in the upstairs “playroom” of their Dunwoody, GA homestead (an activity that certainly would have raised some eyebrows today). In his preteen years, Spencer enjoyed the unfettered access to the primers and gunpowder for his own “experiments in combustion.” Garrett, Fran, Spencer and Lyn were damn good shots. Just ask any quail. The annual Thanksgiving bird hunts with lifelong friend, Charlie Sams and his family would put fresh quail on the table every year and mark an ongoing family tradition. On another weekend each year, he would host a group of good friends and colleges at his Annual Wild Turkey Hunt up at the family cabin in the mountains of North Georgia… though never in it’s twenty-some-odd year history did they ever bring home a fresh wild turkey dinner. They never even saw a turkey, much less took a shot at one. And never once did any of them complain. It was all about fellowship.

Retirement did not slow Garrett in the least. At the Gate City Masonic Lodge #2 he became 32 Degree KCCH (That highest of honors takes a hell of a lot of time and commitment to earn. And no, he didn’t get to drive around wearing his fez in one of those silly little cars at parades, although daughter Lyn wished he would bring one home so her kids could take a spin every now and then). In the neighborhood, he and Fran entertained the “Waterton Court Winos” and frequently gathered with their neighbors to relax and “chew the fat” on the docks, patios and pontoon boats of Lake Kingsley, where the Thornton’s have lived since 1968. Each week Garrett did volunteer work at the Shepherd Spinal Center, in honor of his childhood friend, Harold Shepherd. He was a member of the Horseshoe Bend Country Club, the Mason Dixon Hunt Club and Christ the King Lutheran Church, where he religiously attended Bible Study Group up until his passing (not that he needed any instructions on how to be a better man).

Garrett and the Thornton family appreciated the life they were allowed to live. And them Thornton’s sure racked up the numbers: Garret’s dad, “Red” Thornton Sr. lived to be 100 years old, a number that Garrett Jr. was in hot pursuit of. He got to 91, and we’re pretty sure he realized that a few more numbers would not make much of a difference. He had served his family, had served his clients & employees, had served his friends and had served his god… he had done his best. That’s all he needed to do. He and Fran will see you all in the hereafter. Just look for that lanky, six-foot tall man with the horn-rimmed glasses, the “Andy of Mayberry” demeanor, a big grin and his “howdy do” greeting.

The Memorial Service for Dr. Garrett W. Thornton Jr.

Sunday, March 1st, 2020 @ 2:00pm

Christ The King Lutheran Church

5575 Peachtree Parkway

Norcross, GA 30092

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  1. Jane Hutchison says:

    Dr Thornton was our family vet from 1959 until he retired. I have wonderful memories of him & his compassion for animals & people. One memory that has stayed with me all these years happened when I was a child. My kitten was severely injured & had to be put down. I remember Dr Thornton kneeling down to my level, explaining about my kitty & drying my tears. My sincere condolences to the family.

    • Spencer says:

      Thank you, Jane
      Your memories of our dad paints a vivid picture of his commitment to the calling.
      Spencer & Lyn

      • Joe Wolpin says:

        This is a beautiful tribute, and I am very sorry to hear about Dr. Thornton’s passing. I am 40 years old, and I have fond memories of him as our family vet from a very earlier age. He was exactly as you described him. My mother, who passed away almost two years ago, and who loved animals as much as people, always thought he was a great person.

  2. Paige Bynum Girardot says:

    I met Dr. Thornton only once over 35 years ago while a little nervous, being brought to the house by my then sweetheart, Spencer. After meeting the feisty Mrs.Thornton, I was immediately set at ease by the countenance of this kind man, and was amazed that anyone of his generation would value, love and keep a little Manchester terrier who was blind. A precious and gentle soul…condolences to his Spencer and Lyn, knowing their loving parents are now together.

  3. Fritz Rohrer says:

    Dr. Thornton became our vet when we moved to Atlanta in 1969. He also was a member of Peachtree Road Lutheran where we joined. He told me the other day that we had been going to church together for 50 years. Now we are at Christ the King Lutheran.
    He was very proud of our golden retriever “Ben” especially when he found out that Ben was related to Liberty President Ford’s dog. Presidents Ford’s daughter sent a letter with the White House return address to our daughter confirming it. Dr. Thornton kept a copy of that on display.
    Once when we took a stray kitten that we had had for only three weeks to him that had walked on chemicals sprayed on the lawn and had licked its paws,he sat up all night giving it fluids trying to save it. Sadly it did not make it, but not because he didn’t TRY. He was a caring, dedicated and wonderful vet and friend. He will be greatly missed. He was also a BullDawg.

  4. Peg Mulligan says:

    I have such good memories of Dr. T, Fran and Beverly at the clinic. I have this vision now of Dr. T joining Fran of course but also my dad Bob Mulligan, Charlie S, and his other ” huntin’ buddies ” doing something fun in heaven, .

  5. Robert G. Kopp, Sr. says:

    Garrett occupies a valued place in my memories. He & I were friends, room mates (called each other “Bunkie”) & fraternity brothers our Senior year at Mercer. He took me home with him one weekend & I had the privilege of meeting “Red” & Adele (good people). I was part of his & Fran’s wedding. Our careers took us in different directions but I always kept up with him. A few weeks ago we buried a long time mutual Mercer friend & I am sure the two are now together reliving old times. I look forward to joining them !!!

  6. Beverly Barnes says:

    I worked with Dr. and Mrs. T for 8 years. I learned a lot from him and enjoyed all the pets we cared for. He was a kind person and my family enjoyed trips to the cabin to visit. He will be greatly missed.

    • Spencer says:

      Hey Beverly,
      Thank you for your heartfelt words. Dad always spoke so highly of you… I think you were one of his favorites. 🙂 As you can see in the obit above, you are mentioned as one of Garrett’s “Big 6” that worked side by side with him and that he had great respect for. I hope this finds you well and happy.
      Spencer & Lyn

    • Chris Shupe says:

      Hey Beverly!
      You probably won’t see this but my name is Chris, I worked with you and Mr & Mrs T back in the 80’s, during Holiday breaks from school. I was pre-vet at the time but ended up in RealEstate and then Radio, long story!!
      I can’t begin to express what a massive impact Dr Thorton and You made on my life on such a short amount of time! Just the everyday stories and events that happened and the humble quirkiness of Dr T is enough to make a movie about! I still do my impressions of him to this day! What an amazing Doc and an amazing human being he was!!! I will never forget him advising me to get the steel mesh gloves for handling a little tiny spitz! I scoffed at the idea and soon discovered why his best advice was ALWAYS the path to take!!
      “Did he get cha?” Beverly get the ointment!” Lol! Please reach back out to me if you get this!
      I’m on Facebook and Instagram.

  7. Barry Rosen says:

    I am a long time friend of Spencer and the Thornton family and always enjoyed seeing and spending time at the Dunwoody homestead with Dr Thornton. He always had a smiling, fun, life is good feeling about him that was infectious to be a part of! Our condolences to the Thornton family.

  8. Lyn Thornton-Peterson says:

    Spencer and I had the best Dad, (Garrett)any Son & Daughter could ever have. He and our Mother, (Fran) taught us life long values that we both have instilled in each of our Children. We love and miss you every day Mom and Dad. ❤
    Thank you to all our family and friends for your love and support during this difficult time.

  9. Vally Smith says:

    Dr. Thornton was a second Father to me. I will always have a special place in my heart for him.

  10. Steve Vollo says:

    Godspeed Dr. Thornton. He will always be remembered. Great childhood memories growing up as Neighbors.

  11. Jan & Alan Richardson says:

    Loved your parents as my parents loved them. Guess they all are having a big party in heaven. Thoughts, prayers & our love are with y’all always,

  12. Brad Greenway says:

    Dr. Thornton was indeed a special person, a gentle man & a very caring veterinarian. I first met Dr. Thornton when he came to work with my dad who was also a vet. The Thornton family and the Greenway family had very similar trajectories. Dr. Thornton & my dad, Dub Greenway loved their Georgia Bulldogs, their vet clinics/animals and of course their families. Dr. Thornton always had a smile on his face even when he was facing some devastating cancer in his twilight years. He had an infectious positive outlook on life. I will always remember him with fondness, respect and admiration. May he rest in peace & join his beloved Fran.

  13. Deidri Spaulding says:

    My path crossed Garrett’s at Christ the King where we became friends sharing bible study, church services, lunches, great conversations, and fellowship. His gentle, kind spirit and quick smile were always shared with those he met. He was a true gentleman, a strong Christian, and a wonderful friend. I miss him.

  14. Bob Mortley says:

    Moved over to Watertown ct on 20. July 1979 and met Fran and Garrett at the Winos. What a gteat welcome. During that summer my 2 children loved to fish and Fran gave them lessons on how to hook a cricket. They went over many times and always used Fran’s crickets. On one occasion she said bring your own bate in a rather harsh voice. My children were a bit frightened but Garrett reassured them that her bark was bigger than her bite. As they grew older they always had a great respect for Garrett and Fran.

  15. Ed Mines and Elaine Maida says:

    Dr T will be greatly missed. A friend to all 2 and 4 legged creatures.

  16. Sheri Willis says:

    My family has been friends with the Thorntons for 50 years. I became friends with Lyn in my early teen years. The Thorntons home on Waterton Court was my “home away from home”. My dad was a veterinarian, too, and good friends with Doc Thornton. Though Spencer and Lyn taught me a few bad habits 😇, I always knew where I stood with Garrett and Fran as they were both open and honest. I know they had a positive influence on countless teenagers and young adults. They both lived a full and fruitful life and their loss is certainly felt by many. Love and Prayers sent to Lyn and Spencer and their families. Sheri

    • Lyn Peterson says:

      Thank you Sheri. My parents always thought the world of you. We were so fortunate to have had such influential parents with good lifelong values. You’re a gem, a wonderful friend and a special Godmother to my Son Christopher.

  17. Lyn Peterson says:

    Thank you Sheri. My parents always thought the world of you. We were so fortunate to have had such influential parents with good lifelong values. You’re a gem, a wonderful friend and a special Godmother to my Son Christopher.

  18. Ray Latta says:

    Dear Lyn and Spencer,
    It is with heavy heart that I send you both my sincerest condolences. Dr. Thornton was truly a father figure to me. Having divorced parents meant there was no dad around. Your father more than filled that role. I cherish the time I worked for him at the clinic. I even remember helping to paint the old house before you moved to Dunwoody. I remember some of the epic water battles between Spencer, Michael and I. But more importantly I remember the compassion Dr. Thornton had for not only his four-legged patients, but for their owners as well. He was well respected and well loved by all. God Bless you and your families.
    Raymond Latta

  19. David Fraser says:

    Dear Lyn and Spencer,
    I am the “Cable Guy” from Xfinity that came to know Dr. Thornton toward the end of his journey, and served as his technical liaison with tv, Internet and mobile phone issues. It was an honor to guide him through the intricacies of new technologies. I have always been struck by what a fine man he was. His gentlemanly manner, his kind heart, his love of family and his upbeat personality were evident in everything he did. I enjoyed his calls to me, even when he brought me perplexing problems, because it afforded me the opportunity to talk with a truly wonderful person. I have been enriched by knowing him. I am terribly sorry for your loss.
    David Fraser

  20. Christopher Wyche says:

    I miss you Poppa! If heaven wasn’t so far away, I pack the kids and go for a day. Introduce them to their grandpa, watch them laugh at the way he talked.. If heaven wasn’t so far away….(song by Justin Moore) I think of you often Poppa, Mimi is always on my mind, especially when my grammar is not correct… I hope you’re with her right now, happy as hell youre not dealing with these idiots down here. It’s absurd the way the world has gone to crap within a few months.! You gotta wear a mask into every store around the state cause of the “Virus”. It’s hogwash and people have no sense. I’d rather be up there with you guys. Hopefully my father made it there. You know how he was kind of an asshole growing up. I think of him daily as well. Y’all leaving kind of put me, mom and Alex in a place without reason or care. Alex lives on the streets now like a bum. I see him every other week and take him to dinner so we can chat. I don’t stay long though, get too afraid I’m going to relapse. We all made it to your funeral, even Alex came.. It was a good service, but it’s BULLCHIT that they just put you and Mimi in a wall.. I didn’t like it then nor do I like it now, but I guess they were y’all’s wishes. Hopefully I’ll see you up there. Fly High and Roll In Peace POP! Love you


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