Thornton Dial Sr. was born on September 10, 1928 in Emelle, Alabama, USA. He was married to Clara Mae Murrow. He died on January 25, 2016 in Emelle, Alabama, USA.
He spent his spare time soldering scrap metal, animal bones, and other found objects into representations of black life in the US. His creations were eventually recognized as artworks worthy of display in prestigious museums. He made a living working at the Pullman Standard boxcar company, pouring concrete, laying bricks, and raising livestock.
His sculptures include rebar, barbed wire, tree branches, rags, carpet, scrap metal, burlap, paint-can lids, pine cones, plastic hose, and spray paint.