Neiman’s Executive Terry Thornton Dies at 60

Terry Thornton, vp and divisional merchandise manager of furs, coats, bridal and dresses at Neiman Marcus (Dallas), died January 26 at home. He was 60.

“Terry was a true gentleman and a terrific merchant,” says Karen Katz, president and ceo of Neiman Marcus Group Inc, reports Women’s Wear Daily. “He had a great eye for finding new vendors and selecting key items. Most importantly, Terry was a terrific person – caring, funny, smart and loyal.”

Dallas-born Thornton graduated from the University of Texas in 1972. He joined Neiman’s in 1973 as a sales associate in the downtown flagship’s fur salon, holding several management positions at Neiman’s two stores in Chicago before being promoted to fur buyer in 1988.

He was later promoted to associate divisional merchandise manager for furs and coats in 1999 and to vp and dmm for furs, coats and bridal in 2003. In 2009 he was given the additional responsibility of dresses.

Thornton is survived by his partner of 20 years, Angelo Alcala of Dallas; father Gilbert Thornton of Irving, Texas; brother Jerry and his wife, Hilda, of Katy, Texas; three nephews, five great nieces and one great nephew.