Obituary published on Legacy.com by Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory - Peachtree Corners Chapel on Mar. 21, 2025.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald Lyle Horn, age 87, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, who peacefully departed from this world to his heavenly home on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
He was born on January 12, 1938, in Steubenville, Ohio, to Elmer Lyle Horn and Margie Lee Parker Horn. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Myra Shelby Holley Horn; sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Harold McDowell; brother, Kenneth "Kenny" Horn; loving son, Dallva Loren Horn; and beloved grandson, Jaymes Glenn Chamblee.
Ron dedicated his life to his family, his faith, and his community. Ron graduated from Auburn University in 1962 with a Mechanical Engineering degree and enjoyed a fruitful career as a steadfast employee of Southern Company before retiring. His passion for Auburn football was legendary; friends and family knew to clear their schedules on game days, as he was completely devoted to rooting for his beloved Tigers. He was never without his favorite colors orange and blue from his head to his toes. His hearty "War Eagle!" will be missed. Besides football, he was famously renowned in the family for his Brunswick Stew, made every Christmas and/or New Years and enjoyed by all.
Ron and Shelby were high school sweethearts who married on January 17, 1959. For nearly five decades, he made his home in downtown Norcross, Georgia, where he and his late wife, Shelby, raised their six cherished children. Shelby, his partner of 59 years, preceded him in death and remains a guiding light in the hearts of all who knew them.
Ron and Shelby were most committed to a Christian education for their children. They moved to Norcross, GA to put their 6 children at Greater Atlanta Christian School. Ron was very involved in drama productions, chorus shows, and sporting events. This legacy helped all their children to have a lifelong faith in Jesus.
Ron found great joy in sharing his love for the Boy Scouts of America, where he served as Scout Master of Troop 21 and played an integral role in the Northeast Georgia Council for over 30 years. He was immensely proud to help his son Dallva and two grandsons, Ethan and Daniel Guthrie, achieve the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout.
Ron's greatest joy was working outside with his blueberry bushes and spending time in his workshop, always striving to improve his home and the lives of those around him. He could fix anything and if he didn't know, he would figure it out. He always helped, always encouraged and could always be counted on. He also loved traveling to see his great grandchildren.
A faithful and founding member of Buford Church of Christ, he was an elegant speaker during the Lord's supper and prayed thoughtful public prayers. His favorite type of worship was singing. The family spent hours just singing hymns when they were together. Ron often laughed when people would ask "How's the Von Horn family singers?" Now he gets to be a part of heaven's chorus.
Ron leaves behind a loving legacy, including his children, Shelby Leigh (Bill) Chamblee, Bryan Lyle (Julie) Horn, Kerrie (Mark) Rhodes, Yvette (Todd) Guthrie, and Rayleen Lois Horn-Upchurch. He is also survived by his dear sisters and brother-in-law, Linda Elliott and Gail (Ron) Smith. His memory will be cherished by his adored grandchildren Deanna Heather (Rob) Parton, Marissa Joanna (Craig) Smith, Jordan Lyle Horn, Ben Harley (Courtney) Chamblee, Ethan Marshall (Kassidy) Guthrie, Rebecca Lynn Holley (Taylor) Simmons, Courtney Amber Horn, Daniel Morgan Guthrie, Julia Anne Upchurch (Hunter) Miller, Jacob Alan Upchurch, Jackson Aaron Upchurch, Joseph Alex Upchurch, and Britney A. Longson, as well as his beloved great grandchildren, Jaymes Corbin Smith, McKenzee Mae Chamblee, Madalyn Jayde Smith, William Kason Chamblee, Hayleigh Ann Chamblee, Joshua Cole Smith, Caden Taylor Simmons, Isabel Parton, Brock Parton, Carson Parton, Landon Parton, Jaxson Lyle Horn, Kaiden Horn, Hayden Longson, Hunter Allen Miller, Jr. and Noah Arden Miller.
A memorial service to honor Ron's life will be held on April 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Buford Church of Christ, preceded by a visitation beginning at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Georgia Agape-Adoption Agency Atlanta, 3094 Mercer University Dr #200, Atlanta, GA 30341
In light of Ron's profound impact on the lives of those around him, we invite all who knew him to join us in celebrating his remarkable life and the love he shared so generously. His spirit will live on in our hearts and memories forever.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard,
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.
To send flowers to the family of Ronald, please visit our floral store.