Philip Coleman Thornton, age 89, husband of Sara Martin Thornton, died on October 19, 2015 after several years of declining health. Born in Portsmouth, VA, on January 17, 1926, he was the son of the late Lewis Samuel Thornton and the late Ethel Taylor Thornton. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy. Philip was a graduate of Hargrave Military Academy, Presbyterian College, and Appalachian State University. He worked most of his adult life in the field of education, having coached and taught in several different high schools in South Carolina. In 1964, he came to Anderson to teach and coach at McDuffie High School its opening year. Following that assignment, he became the director of the first Adult Education Program in Anderson. In 1968 he became the principal of Centerville Elementary School, where he retired in 1986. In addition to his wife, Mr. Thornton is survived by three daughters, Philis Dean (Greg), of Anderson, SC, Debbie Gardner (Mike), of Anderson, SC, and Susan Litz (Mark), of Columbia, SC; six grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. The Memorial Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home after which the family will greet friends. The family respectfully requests that flowers be omitted and that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Tribute Program, PO Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148, or to the charity of one's choice. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. The McDougald Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Anderson, SC Events Funeral Service Thursday, October 22, 2015 12:30PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343