Thornton, Ben “BFT”

Ben Thornton, known by many as BFT, age 39, passed away Sunday, September 19, 2021, at the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, VA. Ben, born March 23, 1982, in Princeton, WV, was the son of David Thornton of Peterstown, WV, and Myra Mann Thompson of White Gate, VA.

Ben “BFT” Thornton’s legacy began in Bozoo, WV. At a very early age the community quickly noticed something special about him. The local newspaper even wrote an article stating he was “one to watch out for” after witnessing his performances on the pee-wee football field. It is safe to say he surpassed everyone’s expectations. If anyone ever doubted his ability to accomplish anything, he would make it his mission to prove them wrong.

Although Ben was a fearless competitor at everything he did, especially sports, he was also known to be kind and giving to so many. The day he was born, Ben’s mother called him Sunshine, yet little did she know Ben would go on to be the light in so many others lives. Ben had many titles; first a follower of Christ, husband, father, son, brother, friend, athlete, entrepreneur, agent, musician/singer/song writer, bourbon connoisseur, and Coach to name a few. He instilled these same values into his son, Trevi Lee, whom everyone already sees as “Ben made over.”

Trevin consistently displays his daddy’s skills, abilities, heart, passion and talents. When asked if he still wanted to play in his football game after learning of his Dad’s passing, he said “Yes, my Daddy would want me on that field.” Trevin went on to score 4 touchdowns and a 2 point conversion, in honor of his bigger than life Dad.

Ben lived life with purpose and passion, only wanting to help others succeed. He had only one gear, which was to go 100 mph; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ben would not want anyone to mourn his passing, only to celebrate it, learn from it, and live life to the fullest. Remember, there are both heroes and legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.

Ben was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Clarence “Pete” Thornton, and maternal grandparents, David Richard and Eva Ruth Mann. In addition to his parents, survivors include his loving wife, Angela Thornton; son, Trevin “Trevi Lee” Thornton; daughter, Savanna Mae Linkous; brother, Nicholas “Nick” Thornton and wife Cindy; sister, Maria “Madia” Robertson; Grandparents Richard and Barbara Thornton Holtman; Step-Dad Michael Thompson, Step-Dad Mike Butler; Mother and Father-in-Law Anthony and Diana Jenkins; brother-in-law, Jason Jenkins; sister-in-law Kim Martin, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a generous amount of friends also considered family.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the Peterstown Middle School Football Field, with Pastor Terry Utterback officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00AM until time of the funeral services at the football field. Private family burial will take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Peterstown Middle School Football Booster Ben Thornton Memorial Fund at First National Bank of Peterstown.

Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com. Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown, WV.