Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 2, 2023

CHARLOTTE – Joel Douglas Thornton, 44, was welcomed into the open arms of Jesus on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.  He left his “earth-suit” unexpectedly and much too suddenly (for us, his family) in the comfort of the home and loving care of his mother.

On March 20, 2023, Joel had a massive stroke and began a miraculous recovery by the power of prayer and the incredible support of so many family and friends who loved him immensely.

By the kindness and the goodness of the Lord, Joel, who had a mighty fighting spirit from the start, was able to walk, talk and, most importantly to him, lift weights again.  He left the hospital for his new post-stroke journey just 80 days before he passed.

With Joel making bounding strides in his recovery, his death came too soon as a saddening shock to all who loved him. He was our “miracle man”. But ultimately, we believe Joel belongs to God and so we take great comfort in knowing He called His son home in His perfect timing.

Joel was born on July 21, 1979 to Margaret and Douglas Thornton in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After Joel graduated from Providence High School in 1997, he went on to study Finance at NC State, and eventually graduated from UNCC.

Joel was an unforgettable muscle man and a loyal friend to everyone.  Wherever he went it seems, he left making another friend. With his booming voice, bright smile and hearty laugh, he had a propensity to sit, share a beer and talk (or debate) for hours.

Joel loved discovering hole-in-the-wall places to eat, deep diving into politics, working out with his gym routine and comfort clothes on repeat.  He also had a love for clean sneakers, country music, bargain shopping, labored decision-making, and more than anything, his family!

He was the epitome of fierce love for God and Country. Joel knew every blessing of his life was from God and always gave Him credit for it. The fighter in him openly identified with Jacob in the Bible, and he would say, “I’ve wrestled with God and I’ll walk with my limp."  Joel was exceptionally nostalgic and there wasn’t anything that Joel wouldn’t do for you.

Though he was genetically frugal, it brought him a thrill to do random acts of generosity for his loved ones and unsuspecting souls he met along his journey.

Joel had a charismatic individualism that meant he “marched to the beat of his own drum” for all of his life.  Joel was classically late to no one’s surprise but everyone’s delight when he arrived. He always believed that if he got there before it was over he was right on time. Oh what a joy that the boy arrived in Heaven on God’s time!

Joel fought the greatest fight of his life and now he is set free and the joy of the Lord is his strength forever.

Among the many who will miss him dearly are his mom, Margaret; his dad, Douglas and stepmom, Sharon; his brother, Jonathan Thornton and his wife, Meg; his sisters, Sarah Thornton and Hannah Waddell and her husband, Robert. Of course, his legacy as the greatest and most-fun uncle will live on in the many nieces and nephews he loved so well and leaves behind, Abby, Chase, Anna and Nick, Mia, Grace, James, William and Samuel.  Additionally, Joel had a huge network of extended family and friends who will cherish his memory.

The family will have a celebration of his life at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Central Church, 5301 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends in Weatherby Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Joel to Charlotte Rescue Mission, 907 W. 1^st Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 or https://charlotterescuemission.org/.  This is a local ministry in Charlotte to help men of all ages get back on their feet.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.