Remembering Matthew "Spanky" Thornton

Matthew Thornton grew up in Monroe, LA. He graduated from Carver Elementary School and was a member of the Carroll High School graduating class of 1966. He was an honor student who also played football for the mighty Carroll Bulldogs. Thornton was a standout on the defensive line, where he starred as a defensive stopper. He was a renowned pastor for 45 years at New Direction Baptist Church in Seattle, WA. He was the National Baptist Association president for a number of years. Thornton went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nell, and fo...