Willows resident Michael Ray Thornton died peacefully in Willows on Friday, March 28, 2025.
He was born in Richmond, California, to Eunice Fay Thornton and Raymond Wallace Thornton on October 31, 1952. He was the younger brother of Cheryl Boulden of Oregon and the older brother of Beverly Parrish of Missouri.
Raised in Biggs, California, he graduated from Biggs High School in 1970, laying the foundation for a life defined by hard work, family, and a love for the outdoors.
In 1975, alongside his parents and his uncle, Winford Lamb, he became part of a family venture when they purchased a wrecking yard in Willows. The business thrived under their care until 1987, when he and Winford founded L&T Towing, a partnership that reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to providing for his loved ones.
Above all, he was a passionate hunter who cherished time spent in the mountains with his sons and grandsons. Spending deer seasons hunting at Bald Mountain was his favorite activity.
Those rugged landscapes were his sanctuary, where he shared stories, laughter, and lessons with the generations that followed him. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his devotion to his family, leaving behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and unbreakable bonds.
He is survived by his daughters, Tracie Ellis of Willows, Laurie and husband Brian Nagos of Chico, and Casey Thornton of Los Angeles; and sons Tad Thornton of Reno, Nevada, Zack Thornton and his wife, Mani Thornton, of Willows, and Spencer Thornton and his wife, Amy Thornton, of Hawthorne, Nevada; and 14 grandchildren.
Services to celebrate his life are planned for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25, at the Willows Cemetery, with lunch to follow at 459 North Colusa Street, Willows.
The Glenn County Observer 