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Eric Wilson Horton
1954 - 2016
Eric Wilson Horton
1954 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
Eric Horton Obituary
Eric was born on May 8, 1954 in Andalusia, Alabama, son of the late Frank Horton and Edna Gentry Horton. He was raised by his parents who instilled a strong spiritual heritage in him that carries on today. Eric was an energetic and magnetic person who shared his faith and love for his family at every opportunity. To know Eric was to love him.
Eric's compassion for others along with wisdom in business made him a dynamic force for good in this world. He graciously gave of himself and his resources to help those around him. In doing so, he shared the love of Christ in both word and deed and set an incredible example for his sons and all who knew him.
Eric was s proud graduate of Auburn University, class of 1977, where he spent many weekends enjoying football with family and friends.
In 1990, Eric and two partners founded the billboard company, Phoenix Structures based in Athens, TN.
Eric settled in Cartersville, GA, where he became a key figure in the local business community. Eric was also a proud and active member of both Tabernacle and First Baptist Church of Cartersville, GA. Eric was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Eric loved big and his family was the pride of his life.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost twenty-seven years, Jennie McEver Horton; two sons, Hunter Cole Horton and Chandler Wade Horton; brothers, Ron (Terri) Horton, Kenny (Kathy) Horton, all of Ft. Worth, TX; sister, Jan (Mike) Beard of Auburn, AL; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jimmy and Joyce McEver of Cartersville, GA; brother-in-law, Jeff (Melissa) McEver of Rome, GA; several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 24th of July, 2016 at Tabernacle Baptist Church with Dr. Don Hattaway and Jeremy Morton officiating. Interment will follow with an escorted cortege in Sunset Memory Gardens.
Serving as pallbearers are Stacy Mathison, Jeff Lewis, Olen Suire, Anders Best, Chris Jones, Wilson Haynes, Josh McWhorter, Steve Powell, Ernie Gore and Tommy Howard.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the evening until nine on Saturday, the 23rd of July, 2016 in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Bartow Family Resource Center, 200 Leake St., Cartersville, GA 30120.
In memory of Eric's love for the Auburn Tigers, attendees may wear orange and blue for funeral service.
Eric's services are under the direction of Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr., Cartersville, GA 30120.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pamela Cruz
August 1, 2016
Ken and Family,
I am so sorry for the passing of your brother Eric. I and the McKinney Church family offer our condolences to you and your sweet family. I know Eric is healed in the arms of the Lord and experiencing heaven in all its glory. I know God will comfort you, your family, his dear wife, and his kids in times of sadness. Take care and know you are in many friends and loved ones' thoughts and prayers. Replenish your soul with the many special memories of your brother and loved one. Eric is now an amazing helper in the heaven above and you will one day reunite with him again.
Pam Cruz
Richard Jones
July 27, 2016
Eric was a dear childhood friend. I know of no greater nor more genuine a friend for any young man to have. He played Little League baseball on his dad's Red Sox. I was on Chick Earles' Braves. The Red Sox always won, not just because of Eric's powerful arm but, to a greater degree, because of his huge Spiritual heart and God given gift for leadership (Major Horton's coaching). Eric exhibited the Fruit of the Spirit, the full and complete Fruit of the Spirit, singular, not plural..on the field. I would give anything if my three sons could have known Eric, Major Horton, Mrs. Horton, Jan, Kenny and Ronnie. No finer family has ever lived in Andalusia, Alabama. This morning, I made my bike ride on a path from my home on Prestwood Bridge Road, past Fort Frank F. Horton (our National Guard Armory, named for Eric's dad), down Church Street, past the Horton home on Walker Avenue and on to First Baptist Church. As I turned around at the Church to head back home, I thought of the Hortons and of another path, the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross), the path Christ trod as He carried our sins to Calvary. I thought about how faithfully the Hortons showed many, many folks, young and old, here in Andalusia that Way; The Way. They still do. Eric left, here in Andy, a great, great legacy; the greatest there is. Eric, in every way, was the kind of man Dr. George Petrie had in mind when he noted the attributes of the Auburn Man. Eric lived the Auburn Creed.
War Eagle Big E!!!
Richard Jones
Andalusia, Alabama
Roger Everett
July 26, 2016
Though we tend to see the shell that the Lord has wrapped our souls in,and has Energized us with His Spirit,We are Renewed Daily....
So when My body dies,
it is like a cocoon left in a tree,
And I will Leave like the Butterflies
Original spontaneous God-given Thought
Dean Antonakos
July 25, 2016
To Eric's wife and children. You may not know me....Although, my name may have come up if Eric ever discussed the past. Actually he and I worked in two different business together. We worked with Shellnut and Associates and Outdoor Display. Eric and I saw the world the same way, and enjoyed many of the same things. Although I have not talked to him in about a year or so; I would always ask about him. I was so sorry to hear the news. He was a great guy, friend and a true War Eagle. My prayers go out to his family and friends. We will miss him!
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Cheryl Register Snellgrove
July 24, 2016
So sorry to hear of Eric's passing. Praying for his family, his brothers & sister. May you find comfort in knowing that friends are praying for you. Remember fondly as kids growing up, the Horton boys were such big names in baseball little league with my brother, & their dad heading the league if I remember correctly. RIP Eric.
Patricia Keever
July 24, 2016
So sorry for your loss! Praying for God's comfort during this time. Eric was a truly gracious man.
July 24, 2016
I enjoyed many wonderful years of business and friendship with Eric. All of my memories of Eric and our associates will always be very special to me.I extend my sympathy and condolences to Eric's family and friends.
Respectfully, Rodney Monroe { Summerville, S.C. }
Sandi Latimer
July 24, 2016
Difficult to believe he is gone. My prayers are with Jennie and the two boys. He loved his family so very much. Always enjoyed the talks we would occasionally have.
Benny Dunn
July 23, 2016
Prayers for the Family.Ive know Eric since he was about 10. Really enjoyed playing ball with him as a teen ager .Hate to here someone dying that young,it's worse if you know them.From the Benny And Charlle Dunn Family.
Kitty Cole Nye
July 23, 2016
Sending much love from the Hunter Cole Family.
Eddie and Kitty Cole Nye
Shane Siniard
July 23, 2016
Eric was a man who had many friends and no enemies. I'm glad to have called him my friend. My prayers for strength to the family of this great man.
Rector Family
July 23, 2016
Praying peace to guide you during this time of heartache.
Bill & Beth Hembree
July 23, 2016
Beth, the boys and I send our love and prayers to Jennie and the boys. We had the privilege of meeting Eric through Jeff and Kim Lewis through the years and always have had the utmost admiration for him and his beautiful family. We send our love and prayers from Winston, Georgia. Love, Bill, Beth, Will, Thomas and Miles Hembree - Winston, Georgia
Tom & Lisa Bandy
July 23, 2016
Grateful to have known such a swell guy. What a difference he made in any room he was in!! And, Mrs. Jennie, Hunter, and Chandler make the same difference. Much to treasure from his example. Praying for each one.
Kari Hodge
July 23, 2016
Prayers and Love to you all. He was a great man and will be missed greatly. God gained an angel and a War Eagle.
Belinda Hewlett
July 23, 2016
So very sorry for your loss. Eric could always bring a smile to someone's face when they needed it the most! My prayers are with your sweet little family.
Belinda Hewlett
Jorge and Vanessa Cabanas
July 23, 2016
I remember going to your house growing up and going to church at Tabernacle with You and Eric. I will miss seeing Eric eat at Tarascos and give me that big hug he gave so well. My heart goes out to his children and his precious wife whom I know will miss him dearly. I can't imagine your pain but may God give you peace in this time of loss.
Pam (Ricky's wife) Brooks
July 23, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. Eric was a great man and he will be dearly missed. My prayers are with you all.
Ray Smith
July 23, 2016
Jennie, I think that is the finest obituary I have ever read!
I am so sorry for your grief. Eric is and will be missed by so many.
Steve and Debbie (Atkins) Fowler
July 22, 2016
So sorry Jennie to hear of your loss. You and the boys are in our prayers and we pray that God will comfort you and give you peace that no one else can. We didn't know Eric but we know just by what we've read that he will be missed by many. May God Bless you all during this time of sorrow. We love you all.
Mike Tidwell
July 22, 2016
Prayers with the family........love you all
Linda and Mike Hickey
July 22, 2016
We first did meet Eric at our first Assembly Church of God get together. And then Joyce and Jimmys' 50th wedding anniversary. Both times a very sweet and nice person. I know He will be greatly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to you Jennie and your entire family. Love you very much.
Charles Bandy
July 22, 2016
My sincerest condolences. Eric will truly be missed. His love for Christ and people was bigger than him.
Belinda Whorton
July 22, 2016
Jennie, Hunter and Chandler: May God hold you all in the palm of His hand in the coming days and weeks, and may you feel His peace. The Whorton family loves you all, and we are here for you should you need us. Belinda Whorton
Lee Atkins
July 22, 2016
We are so so sorry for your loss. We continue to pray for you all.
John Griffin
July 22, 2016
I'm so very sorry to learn of Eric's passing. He, Hal Smith and myself worked together in New Orleans in the late 70's. We were also house mates at different times and shared many fun times together.
Rest easy "Big E", Halbert will be there to greet you.
July 22, 2016
Please accept our sincere sympathy at this most difficult time. Hold on to your faith and God will comfort and direct you.
May the good Lord bless you.
Blessings,
Art & Dianne Damiano ..... (friends of Jeff)
Cindy Griswold
July 22, 2016
Ken, Kathy, and family,
We are so saddened to read of this loss. Praying for all of you now and in the days ahead.
Much love,
Cindy and Mike Griswold
Terry Patko
July 22, 2016
I knew Eric from church and school in Andalusia. We were in the band, he played trumpet. A real nice guy. I pray the God of all comfort will surround you with His love, mercy and grace. Terry Shaw Patko
Terri Frasier
July 22, 2016
One of the finest men I know, this community will surely miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Linda Kellogg
July 22, 2016
Jennifer, Hunter, and Chad,
You all are in my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers during the loss of your amazing husband, father, and friend.
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