THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 7, 1995 TAG: 9512050104
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP
SOURCE: VICKI LEWIS
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
``Red'' Thornton is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his business, Virginia Realty, this week.
The business was started by his father, W.F. Thornton Sr., in 1945. The younger Thornton joined the business right out of the Army and bought it from his father when he retired in 1967.
The Ocean View business handles real estate sales, property management and rentals in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, specializing in beach property.
``We've sold to grandparents, parents and children of the same family over the years,'' Thornton said.
Many local real estate agents have gotten their start at Virginia Realty. At last count, Thornton said he knew of at least 21 brokers who earned experience at his agency before going off to start their own business.
The business, at 9646 Granby St., is right across the street from the original business Thornton's father began.
Thornton is a 1949 graduate of Granby High School. He attended the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary (now Old Dominion University) for a year and a half before joining the Army during the Korean War.
``Real estate is the only thing I've ever known,'' said Thornton, citing the 41 years he has been in the business. His bookkeeper and office manager, Rhonda Gale, has been with him for more than 21 years.
``It's a very enjoyable business,'' he said. ``I enjoy helping and meeting new people and going back and seeing people I've met in the past.''
Name: W.F. Thornton Jr.
Nickname: ``Red.''
What brought you to Norfolk: Born and raised in Norfolk.
Birthdate: December 1931.
Occupation: Realtor and president of Virginia Realty Co.
Marital status: Married to Gloria.
Children: Five.
Last book read: ``Mirror Image'' by Tom Clancy.
Favorite movie: ``Forrest Gump.''
Biggest accomplishment: Being one of the organizers and the first president of the Metro Multiple Listing Service. During the two years I served as president, the member companies grew from 15 to 68. There are now more than 200 member companies doing over a billion dollars in sales a year.
Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii.
First job: Carrying Norfolk Ledger Dispatch.
Worst job: If I was working, it was a good job. Hard job? Yes. Bad job? No.
Favorite restaurant: Ship's Cabin - there, Joe, you owe me one.
What do you like most about Norfolk? Although, a large, sophisticated city, Norfolk has a small-town ambience. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MOTOYA NAKAMURA
by CNB