LITTLE ROCK (KFSM) -- Former Arkansas congressman Ray Thornton died at the age of 87 on Wednesday (April 13).
Thornton was a former president of Arkansas State University from 1980-1984, and he served as the University of Arkansas president from 1984-1990.
“He is a model of what you can do if you are willing to work hard,” said Dan Ferritor, former U of A Chancellor. “I think he provided a kind of stability and guidance."
In 1989, Thornton returned to politics and served three terms in the U.S. Congress as a representative. He returned to Arkansas in 1996 when he was elected as an associate justice for the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Several Arkansas politicians praised the late congressman and shared their condolences for Thornton's family.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson sent the following statement:
“I was greatly saddened to hear about the passing of former Congressman Ray Thornton. Ray was an Arkansas gem who passionately served the people of this state for many years. 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.”
Senator John Boozman released the following statement about the Thornton's death:
"Congressman Ray Thornton led a distinguished career that benefited Arkansas from public service as an elected official to leading our state’s top universities. 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.”
Thornton was also served as the first chair of the Arkansas Lottery Commission. Bishop Woosley, the current Arkansas Scholarship Lottery director, shared the following statement:
“Sadly, today we learned of the passing of the first Chair of the Arkansas Lottery Commission, Ray Thornton. The first meeting of the Arkansas Lottery Commission was held on May 5, 2009, during which the first action by the nine appointed Commissioners was the selection of Ray Thornton as Chair of the Lottery Commission. In his role as Chair, 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”