Bishop Charles William Thornton (Butch), 71 of Valrico, Florida, passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Brandon Regional Hospital, Brandon, Florida, born on July 26, 1949 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the proud parents of William & Dora (Norlander) Thornton. He was married to his loving wife, Mavis Thornton for 53 years and took pride and joy raising their son, Kevin Thornton. He served in the National Guard and retired from the railroad at a trainman. Charles went to Bibleline College and graduated with a Diploma in Theology and in 2007 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science. Charles loved Jesus with all of his heart. God had a calling for his life as a missions pastor and he started Global Fire Missions. His passion was reaching the lost and telling the world about Jesus. He has touched many lives in different countries including ours. He was a devoted family man and devoted to God. He enjoyed playing the Shofar and shouting out the name of "Jesus" prior to giving the word. His hobbies included: bowling a perfect game, cooking, BBQ, and eating his favorite candy "chocolate macadamia nuts." His favorite football teams were the "Gators" and the "Tampa Bay Buccaneers," we could never pry him away from the television when the teams were playing. He loved and enjoyed playing with his grandson, Miguel.

Bishop Charles was preceded in death by his parents William Charles Thornton and Dora T. Thornton; His Son: Kevin Thornton; His Brother: Mike (Moose) Thornton.

Three Sisters: Virginia (Ginger) Jones, Darlene Adam and Patricia (Pat) Dewitt.

Bishop Charles is survived by his wife, Mavis Thornton. Grandson: Miguel Rivera. Mother-in-law: Daisy Hurt. His in-laws include Michael and Patricia Cobb, Leon Cobb, Annie Kibbe Thornton and many nephews, nieces and family.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:30AM at First Free Will Baptist Church of Tampa in Seffner, FL.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to her service, from 10:30-11:30AM at the church.