Darrell Richard Horton

Darrell Richard “Rick” Horton crossed from this home to his eternal home with the Lord on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Rick was born on June 27, 1957 in Spartanburg, SC to Loyd “Red” and Earline Horton. 

Rick graduated from Dorman High School. While working at a flower shop in Spartanburg, he met his coworker and future bride, Mary Christine. In their vows, Rick and Chris made a commitment before each other and their Lord to love each other no matter life’s circumstances. During their marriage, God blessed them with three boys. Their love for each other was not only evident for their sons to learn from, but also for many of their friends and family members. Rick was always proud of his boys and challenged them to be excellent in all their pursuits. 

One of the markers of Rick’s life was service to others. He spent 35 years serving Spartanburg County by being a full-time firefighter. He may have never been aware of this, but his boys had major bragging rights with their friends because their dad was a fireman, and even a Captain, for several years. Rick’s servant heart is an indicator of the truths of Scripture that he held so close to his heart and mind: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 ESV.

Rick was blessed with a quick wit that was passed down to all his boys. Needless to say, he taught them well. When he laughed, everyone would know that something was funny. He enjoyed the beach, reading James Patterson, listening to 80s music, and would often amaze his family by answering Jeopardy! questions. Rick also loved sports, especially golf, baseball, and Clemson football. Above all, Rick loved his Lord. He held his Bible close and would prefer it over any James Patterson crime novel. Because of his love for the Lord, he loved his bride well, his family well, and others well. Rick truly loved spending time with all his loved ones.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Christine Horton; sons, Nathan Loyd Horton, Joseph Caleb Horton (Katie), and Landon Jackson Horton; grandson, Hudson Caleb Horton; sister-in-law, Maggie Pack (Duane); nieces, Hannah Atkins (JT) and Haley Pack; and cousins, Linda Mason, Donna McDaniel (Mike), and Pam Forrester (Kevin).

Visitation will be 5:30-7:30pm on Monday, November 18, 2024 at J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC 29376. Graveside services will be 12:00pm on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307, conducted by Rev. Craig Guy.

In honor of Rick, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or to S.C. State Firefighters Foundation, 111 Westpark Blvd, Columbia, SC 29210.