Earl Daniel "Dan" Thornton Jr., 75 years old, passed peacefully, on Jan. 30, 2023, at his home in Marietta, GA. He is now at peace in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Dan was born May 26, 1947, in Raleigh, MS, to Earl Daniel Thornton, Sr. and Mary Burke.

Dan's entered the US Air Force in February 1967, serving 4 years, during the Vietnam War, being Honorably Discharged in 1971. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Master Degree. He moved his family to Marietta, GA, in 1973, where he was an Industrial Arts Teacher with Marietta City Schools. He started a career in Real Estate in 1984, and specialized in Selling Land for 35+ years, and was known as "Dan the Land Man". He enjoyed travelling, a little gardening, along with quiet time at his farm with friends and family, along with showing property and being out in the open land with his ATV.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruth Mullen, and nephew Earl Smith.

Dan is survived by his wife, Waverly Thornton, his children, Sheila Thornton Brown and Lee Thornton, sister Francis Myers "Bill", step daughter, Christy Kown "Jay", granddaughter, Meg, and grandson, Brooks, and many nieces and nephews, Nann Pace "Michael", Mike Mullen, Wendy Smith, "Steve", Sharon Johnson, and Mark Myers. Great nephews and nieces, who were an active part of his life, were Mary Smith Craigs "Michael", Dorothy Smith Willingham "Ronny", Jimmy Smith "Faith".  Along with many other loving, family members.

Dan will be missed by everyone who loved him, friends, and the community members.

He was a member of First Baptist Church Woodstock and Ken Smith will officiate the Service. Spencer Nix will be delivering fond memories, and Michael Craigs will deliver special times.

During his battle with brain cancer, he fought a good fight. He never complained and his spirits were always uplifted. The family wants to Thank the wonderful care givers from ComfortforCare, especially Sarah. What a blessing she was for Dan and his family, also WellStar's Community Hospice and Team were outstanding, and all his friends who called giving him encouragement during this time.

Visitation and Service will be held at Lakeside Funeral Home, Woodstock, Friday, February 3, 2023. Visitation from 9:30 – 11:00, with Service from 11:00 – 11:50, and interment at Ga National Cemetery, Canton, at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following non-profit organization assisting Vietnam Veterans https://vva.org/ or the American Cancer Society, http://donate3.cancer.org/