lawerence "shine" thornton, greenville, ms

[Jack Harper]

87 year old "shine " thornton was not a steel guitarist,he was an upright bass player in a popular string band back in the late 40's thru the 50's. songwriter ben peters was in the group while he attended southern university, raising a family took over the long drives, as "shine" became an amateur fiddler and collector of several of the older fiddles and violins, while he perfected, maria's hot tamales in the delta where he became last years hot tamale king at the world hot tamale festival in Greenville, Mississippi.
Saturday, "shine" was to be the parade marshal at the 2nd annual festival, but, at 5:30 Friday afternoon, "shine" was beaten and robbed by 4 teenage thugs and died sunday morning from his injuries.
a legend has gone on to join the band in hillbilly heaven. r.i.p. "shine"

country.....

[Bill Bailey]

There is a shameful generation out there who have zero conscience, makes me wonder why his greatest generation gave all for a country that has lost it's soul. May Gog bless Shines soul and usher his spirit into heaven.

[Tommy Young]

My condolences to his family and friends may GOD BLESS and comfort his family..