Matthew Dwayne Thornton, 38

On January 17, 2022, Matthew Dwayne Thornton (Bubba) 38, left his earthly home in Gunter, TX, to entertain those in his Heavenly home with his quick wit and celebrated sense of humor.

Matthew’s mother, Debby, gave him the name “Matthew” because it meant “Gift of God,” and he became a gift to everyone who knew him. Bubba was born in Monroe, LA, but called the Goodwill, LA, area his home. He worked on pipelines and, according to his friends, was one of the hardest workers they had ever seen. Whether it was a loan, which usually became a gift, helping family and friends accomplish any chore that needed to be done, a kind word, a concerned ear or an outrageous story that turned sadness into laughter, Matt was always there without being asked. Several years ago, he became ill and was confined to a wheelchair. Nevertheless, his positive and somewhat quirky view of the world, his deep affection for family and friends and his ability and desire to make everyone laugh remained the same. Even in illness, all who knew him said he was the life of the party, and if there wasn’t a party, Bubba made one. Although outgoing, Matthew was famously humble.

Matthew is survived by his life partner Terri Hendrix, who loved and laughed with him in health and lovingly cared for him in sickness and by the very light-of-his-life, his daughter, Emma Grace Thornton, Pineville, LA. He is also survived by his mother Debby (Johnson) Dickson (Glenn) from Onalaska, TX, his birth father Dwayne Thornton, Chickasha, Oklahoma and his daddy who proudly raised him, Mike Harrison (Theresa), Goodwill, LA. Matthew’s life would not have been near as much fun without his sisters, Kelley Allred (Shannon) and Ashley Thornton, Oak Grove, LA, to whom he was both protector and teasing tormenter. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Patricia and Wayne Sanderson. It’s hard to list all the survivors that Bubba loved, loved him and who already deeply feel the loss of his absence, because there were so many… including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, distant relatives who were not at all distant, and his many friends who counted themselves lucky to be part of the sunshine that Matthew Dwayne Thornton brought to their lives.

Because of COVID, there will be no funeral services immediately. However, a celebration of Matthew’s life will be held at a later time to appropriately honor this kind, caring, loving, and funny young man.