LITTLE ROCK — Ray Thornton of Little Rock, a former educator, lawyer, attorney general, congressman, university president, Arkansas Supreme Court justice and state Lottery Commission chairman, died Wednesday morning at age 87.
Born in Conway in 1928, Thornton graduated from Yale University and served in the Navy in the Korean War. He obtained a law degree from the University of Arkansas after the war.
He served as Arkansas attorney general from 1971 to 1973 and as 4th District congressman from 1973 to 1979. He served on the House Judiciary Committee and helped draft the articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon.
In the 1980s, Thornton served as president of Arkansas State University and later as president of the University of Arkansas System. In the 1990s, he served three more terms in the U.S. House, this time representing the 2nd District.
Thornton served as an Arkansas Supreme Court justice from 1997 to 2005. He served as the first chairman of the Arkansas Lottery Commission, overseeing the state lottery’s launch in 2009.
“Ray was an Arkansas gem who passionately served the people of this state for many years,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a statement Wednesday. “He was a man who had a genuine heart for the people of Arkansas. Every time I saw Ray, he had a smile and a word of encouragement. He will be greatly missed, and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”
Former Gov. Mike Beebe recalled Thornton as “a gentleman, who always wore a smile and welcomed everyone he met with civility and a warm heart. But he was most admired for his intellect, his integrity, his leadership abilities, and his passion for serving the people of our state.”
U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., said of Thornton, “His dedication to the people of Arkansas leaves a lasting impact. I join with all Arkansans as we mourn the passing of Congressman Thornton and keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”
Former U.S Attorney Conner Eldridge, a Democrat who is challenging Boozman’s re-election bid, said in a statement, “Congressman Thornton left a lasting legacy on the people and the quality of this state. As a congressman and through his time spent at multiple universities, he inspired us all with his dedication to public service. Congressman Thornton will live on in our memories.”
U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., called Thornton “a pillar of political and educational life in Arkansas” and said he “leaves a lasting legacy of selfless service and principled leadership.”
Cotton also honored Thornton in remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday.
U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, said of Thornton, “His life was one of service to his fellow man and dedication to his state and nation.”
U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, said Thornton was “a true gentlemen and an outstanding leader who used his drive, wit and energy to represent our citizens and improve higher educational opportunity for our young people. Though he will be greatly missed by many throughout Arkansas, his countless contributions will live on for many years to come.”
Former Little Rock School District Superintendent Dianne Curry, a Democrat who is challenging Hill’s re-election bid, said in a statement that Thornton “was a good man and a fine public servant who loved his family and served his state with passion, conviction and humility. We all will miss him in the coming years and are lucky to have had his service.”
Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin said of Thornton,”His legacy is inspirational to the next generation of leaders.”
Griffin also recognized Thornton on the floor of the Arkansas Senate. The House held a moment of silence in Thornton’s honor.
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said, “I have read and researched many of Justice Thornton’s opinions over the years, and I am appreciative of Justice Thornton’s years of service, including the impact he had on the office I currently hold. I extend my heartfelt sympathy and prayers to his loved ones.”
State Treasurer Dennis Milligan said Thornton “always put the people of Arkansas first and served as a true leader. Tina and my thoughts are with Betty and the rest of the Thornton family. May God grant them peace and comfort during this difficult time.”
State Democratic Party Chairman Vince Insalaco said, “Ray was a sincere public servant who had Arkansas’s best interest at heart. We will miss the warmth and intelligence he contributed to the Arkansas political landscape.”
ASU System President Charles Welch said Thornton “was the quintessential advocate for his home state. While we mourn his passing, we know his achievements in public service to our state will serve as his enduring legacy.”
State Lottery Director Bishop Woosley said that in his role as the first chairman of the state Lottery Commission, “Ray Thornton guided the work of the new enterprise with great care, energy, and enthusiasm, and under his leadership, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery commenced operations in record-breaking time and generated revenues well in excess of predicted levels. The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery wishes to thank Mr. Thornton for his many contributions to the Lottery and to the students of Arkansas.”