Eric Thornton, 45 years of age, tragically passed away and went to his heavenly home on Friday, July 19, 2024. He was a beloved grandson, son, brother, uncle, and respected friend.

Eric was born on April 16, 1979 in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is survived by his parents Michael and Cynthia Thornton, brother Trent, sister Lindsay, nephew Taylor, two nieces Emma and Jolene, and his beloved cat Mr. Dinky. 

Eric was an easy going, sweet, loving boy that grew up in Boca Raton, FL. As a child, Eric enjoyed being with his family, playing baseball and soccer, and fishing with Pop-pop (Grandpa). At a young age he was diagnosed with a learning disability and Type 1 Diabetes, adding a whole different level of challenges to his life. 

Eric, attended Boca Raton High School and upon graduating he was presented with the, Plank Award, by his Commander for being the the first and only student to graduate, completing four full years of the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC). His dream was to serve in the military but due to his diabetes he was not allowed. 

After high school, he went on to attend Palm Beach Community College and then was accepted into the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management.  

For the remainder of his adult life, Eric worked in his new found passion of landscaping and volunteered caring for animals at Big Dog Ranch Rescue. He loved God, attending church, surfing, music, sports, military history and films, his family, being an uncle, and helping people. He was the kindest, most loving, forgiving soul. Eric always made time to listen to your problems, he would help you talk and think through them. He was always down to hang out with his family and share a cigar with his Father and Brother, Trent. You name it, he would get involved. 
No matter the obstacles he faced, he never complained and possessed endless perseverance. Perseverance was built in him, one of the many qualities God gifted him with. He was a world class optimist, an unbelievably happy person with almost no material possessions.  A thoughtful, humble gentleman that will be missed dearly. He finished the race well and ran it with utmost endurance. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday August 4, 2024, at Eric's home church, Canal Point Methodist Church located at 37050 2nd St, Canal Point, FL 33438 at 11:15am.

In lieu of flowers, the family has request that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association at https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/in-honor-gift

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8