Gifford Alvin Thornton age 81 of Bismarck, passed from this life on Friday, May 24, 2013 at Garland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs. He was born January 16, 1932 in Hot Spring County, the son of Arlie and Inez Whitley Thornton. Gifford was retired from Reynolds Metals Plant at Jones Mill and a member of DeRoche Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by one sister, Wilma Wilson. Gifford is survived by his wife Marcille Estep Thornton, three sons, Gary (Theresa) Thornton, Bruce (Tina) Thornton and Dennis (Glorie) Thornton all of Bismarck, five grandchildren, Keith (Kim) Thornton, Lisa (Barry) Benning, Brittany (John) Clement, Tyler (Whitney) Thornton and Ryan (Nikki) Thornton all of Bismarck, seven great grandchildren, Miranda, Kenda, Breana, Aaron, Wyatt, Reid and Park, one sister, Ella (Charles) Porterfield of Malvern, three brothers, Lloyd (Judy) Thornton of Malvern, Wayne (Becky) Thornton and Paul (Carolyn) Thornton both of Bismarck and one brother in law, Artimus Wilson of Bismarck. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, May 27, 2013 at DeRoche Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Chris Morrison, Bro. Alan Cansler, Bro. Mark Thornton, and Bro. Troy Bray officiating. Interment will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday at Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Pallbearers will be Tyler, Ryan, Alan and Keith Thornton, John Clement and Barry Benning. Memorials may be made to DeRoche Missionary Baptist Church, 939 Hwy 128, Bismarck, AR 71929. The family would like to thank Garland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Dierkson Hospice for their loving care of Mr. Thornton. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book and view the video tribute.