Russell "Popeye" Thornton

Russell "Popeye" Thornton age 48, passed away September 20, 2021, at Putnam Community Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born September 26, 1972, in Gainesville to Kathy Nell (Prescott) Drawdy and Russell Oliver Thornton, Sr. and raised in Brooker. Popeye graduated from Bradford High School in 1991. His occupations included varying areas in construction and mechanic work. Popeye enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren; he was a brilliant mechanic and enjoyed fishin, NASCAR, and grillin on the weekends. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his stepfather Forest "Doc" Drawdy. His survivors are his brother Christopher Thornton of Alachua; two sons Collin Thornton and Brandon Thornton both of Middleburg; stepdaughter Sierra Brown and Ashley Brown, Brandy Brown Santiago, and Destiny Wood and Emerald Wood all of Keystone Heights. Also left behind are his four precious grandchildren as well as several other friends and family. Popeye also leaves behind his loving wife of 10 years Heather Wood of Interlachen. Funeral services for Popeye will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 1, 2021, in the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel with Pastor Ron Sanderson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. The family has also requested that bright colors, blue jeans, or FSU attire be worn to the service. Interment will follow at Dedan Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, FL 32091. (904) 964-6200.www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Dedan Cemetery 13883 SW County Road 231 Brooker FL 32622 US Viewing Friday, October 1, 2021 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM DeWitt C. Jones Chapel 620 Nona Street Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Service Friday, October 1, 2021 2:00 PM - DeWitt C. Jones Chapel 620 Nona Street Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176