Dave Hornback

MURRAY - Mr. Dave Hornback, 81, of Murray, passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mr. Hornback was born on Dec. 9, 1943, in Cairo, Illinois, to the late William Hornback and Beulah Martin Hornback. Dave was a proud graduate of Murray State University and served his country in the United States Army. His love of learning and history led him to the classroom, where he taught in Hodgenville and Lowes, Kentucky, shaping young minds with patience, curiosity, and a genuine passion for education.

He went on to serve the Hickman County community as a 4-H agent, encouraging and mentoring local youth, before beginning a long and respected career with the Federal Land Bank in Clinton, Mayfield, and Elkton, Kentucky. Dave also shared his knowledge as an adjunct professor in the Department of Agriculture at Murray State University. He later worked at the Bank of Murray and ultimately retired from the Murray Bank, where he played an integral role from its very beginning and was deeply proud of the work he helped build.

A man of faith and service, Dave was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Murray. He gave generously of his time over the years as a member of the Lions Clubs in Clinton, Mayfield, and Murray; as treasurer of the Murray Parks Board; as a member of the American Heart Association; and as past president of the Alpha Tau Omega Housing Corporation and Alumni Association. He was also deeply committed to supporting the Alzheimer's Association, honoring his wife Marilyn's memory through his dedicated fundraising efforts. His commitment to his community, his alma mater, and the people around him was evident in everything he did.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Charlton Hornback; one son, Michael Hornback; a brother, Charles Hornback; as well as five sisters, Doris Frazier, Judy Wagner, Billie Jean Hart, Nancy Estes Hornback, and Jane Renfer.

Survivors include one daughter, Kristen Hornback Riggs, and husband, Taylor, of Franklin, Tennessee; daughter-in-law, Kristin Duncan Hornback, of Lexington, Kentucky; one sister, Pat Leker, of Lake Villa, Illinois; as well as four grandchildren, Jackson Riggs, Ainsleigh Riggs, Cooper Riggs and Duncan Hornback.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 30, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Brett Miles and Rev. Jim Stahler officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 30, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Alzheimer's Association Nashville Chapter, care of Mimi's Minions and Teddy's Champions 1801 West End Ave., Suite 200, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, or online at act.alz.org/goto/mimisminions-hornback.

Online condolences can be made at thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com.