Thornton Cousin Profile: Billionaire Brad Kelley

Brad Maurice Kelley, second great-grandson of Mary Jane Thornton, daughter of James and Lucy Laney Thornton, was born in 1956 to Joe Frank Kelley and Patsy Ruth Gregory.  While his early years were spent in Bowling Green, KY, Brad attended high school in Franklin, KY, near where his Thornton ancestors had originally arrived.

An enterprising youth, investing in real estate and agriculture during his teenage years, he built up a tobacco business that was later sold to Houchins Industries for $1 billion.  He has diversified his business interests into media, horses, and real estate.  It is estimated that he is the fourth largest private landowner in the United States, with valuable ranches throughout the Midwest and Texas.  In addition, he is the current operator of Calumet Farms, Lexington, KY: his horse, Oxbow, won the 2013 Preakness Stakes.  The Lonely Planet travel guides are produced by his media house, NC2.

Brad Kelley is a noted conservationist and supporter of organizations that protect endangered wildlife such as rhinos and tapirs.

He is married to Susan Bush, and they have three children.  His current net worth is estimated to be approximately $2 billion.

John Wilson Thornton Passes Away

Last surviving son of William Virgil Thornton:

Mr. John Wilson Thornton, age 84 of Franklin, died Thursday, October 20^th, at his residence. Crafton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A graveside service will be held Sunday at 2pm at the Woodburn Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Simpson County Honor Guard. A native of Simpson County, he was the son of the late William Virgil Thornton and Bertha Dobbs Thornton. He retired after 37 years working for the Lenk Company. He served in the Army in the chemical warfare division during the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 62. He was preceded in death by his wife – Margaret Dallas Thornton. Survivors include 3 sons – John Anthony Thornton, Thomas Wilson Thornton and Bobby Joe Thornton all of Franklin; a daughter – Marsha Thornton of Bowling Green; 5 grandchildren – Amanda Gomez of Nashville, TN, Samantha Rachel Thornton of Portland, TN, Dustin Hunter Thornton of Morgantown, KY, John Michael Thornton and Katherine Haley Thornton both of Franklin and 3 great grandchildren – Tyler Wade Perry and Jacob David Gomez both of Nashville and Emma Jo Thornton of Portland. There will be no visitation.

Thornton Careers: Singer based in Hong Kong

In this advertisement for a performance at the Skylark Lounge, Hong Kong, we have four Americans who have performed throughout Asia as members of Metro.  One of the members is Kevin Lyle Thornton (far left), son of Jimmy L. and Rebecca  Thornton of Franklin, KY.  Jimmy is the son of John W. Thornton, a brother of Jesse Benton.  Kevin earned a music education degree from Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY.

Metro recently performed at the Miss Hong Kong Pageant and have been signed by Sony Music.  Aside from Kevin, the other members are Sean Oliver, Eric Monson, and Michael Lance.