Christopher Dale Horton

Mr. Christopher Dale Horton, age 33, of Mt. Airy, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at his home. He was born on September 15, 1992 in Surry County to Tony and Susan Bowman Horton. Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Carrie Vass (Timothy); nieces, Lillian and Oaklee Vass; grandmother, Dorothy Smith; special friend, Alyssa Wolf; special pet, Harvey Dent. Mr. Horton was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dallas Horton; maternal grandparents, Wade and Ernie Bowman. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mt. Airy with service conducted by Rev. Anthony Thomas. Burial will follow in Mountain Plains United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on Monday morning from 9:30 AM until the time for the service at the funeral home.

A message from his sister, Carrie.

God makes each person uniquely, and He made my brother especially so. He was genius-level smart, and I think that sometimes made him misunderstood. But if you were lucky enough to truly know him, you knew his heart. He was kind. A gentle giant. Quiet, thoughtful, and deeply good.

He was a coder. A puzzle solver. A hiker. A painter. A computer wiz. A casserole lover. A chess player. A kid at heart. A loyal friend. A proud uncle. A caring son. My big brother.

He never passed up the chance to beat us all at a game or to teach someone something new. He taught Lilli how to play chess when she was just a tiny thing. He taught me nearly every game I’ve ever known. Growing up, he was the quiet, watchful presence in the background… always there when it mattered most. Always ready to play. Always ready to be my friend. Always my protector.

Toward the end of his life, he became a believer. And that brings me the Peace of Heaven.

We miss him more than words can hold. But I am so thankful for Jesus. I am thankful that He saved him, that He created him with such intention, and that He loves him even more than we do. I’m thankful that this life is only a vapor compared to eternity.

I like to imagine him now, sitting at a table with Jesus, playing chess. Asking Him about the codes of the universe, about how everything fits together, about the mysteries he always longed to solve. And I imagine Jesus smiling, teaching him, and welcoming him home.

Until we see you again, Chris.