Harold Chester Thornton

Chet Thornton, age 84, passed away on November 27, 2024. He was a man of immense wisdom,intellect, and unwavering dedication to his family and work. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Janet Thornton; his son, Patrick Thornton, and wife Wanda;his daughter, Marcia Thornton Davis; his daughter, Annette, and husband Dick Perrin; his grandchild, Casey Thornton, and wife Marena; and his great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Flora, and Eric Thornton. Chet is preceded in death by his grandson Jory Davis. 

Born with a passion for achievement and learning, Chet served in the US Airforce between 1958-1962. He earned a bachelor’s degree and was later awarded an honorary doctorate from West Virginia State University, a testament to his lifelong commitment to education and innovation. Over the course of his career as a pipefitter, he worked for 31 years at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), where his contributions went beyond his standard job scope.

As referenced in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Review, Vol. 23, No. 1, 1990, (LINK) Chet was an inventor, an entrepreneur, a college instructor, a chairman of several boards (including Inventions for the DisabledTM), and a consultant. Chet was the co-inventor of the reversible and self-adjusting propeller device. He held two patents, reflecting his ingenuity and problem-solving prowess, and served as the president of the ORNL inventors forum. Chet became an adjunct faculty member at Pellissippi State Community College, teaching two classes, "Inventing: How to Protect and Develop Your Concept" and "Inventing: The Business Development of Invention.” He was particularly proud that he and his students invented devices to aid disabled persons. The most successful invention to come out of this cooperative venture was the Remotely Operated Wheelchair Footrest Moving Device.

As a member of the Tennessee Inventors Association and the Venture Exchange Forum, Chet was twice inducted into the International Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Inventors Clubs of America, and named the Inventor of the Year for 1990. 

Chet’s hardworking nature and remarkable intellect left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will be remembered as one of brilliance, perseverance, and kindness. 

The family will receive friends Friday, December 13, 2024 between the hours 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations in Oak Ridge. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Mott McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Thornton family.