Obituary: Guy Mann Horton

Guy Horton
Guy Horton

Guy Mann Horton, 80, of Athens, passed away April 30, 2013 from Alzheimer’s disease. He was born April 11, 1933, the youngest of 12 children of Hyter and Nelia Horton, one of the pioneering families of the Blackjack community.

After graduating from Brownsboro High School in 1950, Guy left the farm fields to pursue his love of education, a passion that would become his lifelong career. At the age of 20, he graduated from East Texas State College with a degree in journalism, and was soon drafted into the Army (1st Cavalry Division) during the Korean War. Stationed in Tokyo, he served as a correspondent for the “Stars and Stripes” and as editor of “The Cavalier.”

After his service, he returned to East Texas State and earned a Master’s degree in journalism. During his first semester as a professor at San Angelo College, he met Linda Green, and they began a wonderful 54-year journey together.

In 1969, Guy earned a Ph.D. in journalism from the University of Missouri, where he served 25 years before retiring as Executive Assistant to the President. He was well-respected throughout the nation’s higher-education community for his professionalism and ethical standards, and he received numerous state and national awards during his tenure.

Guy’s greatest joy was his family, and he never lost touch with his Blackjack roots. He loved hosting the annual Horton Reunion and was adored by many generations of cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a passionate gardener, football fan, bass fisherman, worldwide traveler and volunteer. Guy was a kind and generous man, blessed with an incredibly dry sense of humor. He was loved by many, and was a true friend to everyone he met.

Guy was an active member of the Athens First United Methodist Church and Builders Sunday School class, and proudly served in many leadership positions within his church and community.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda; his daughters, Ellen (Ken) Shriner of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Amy (Robert) Hayhurst of Houston; and his beloved grandson, Nathan Hayhurst.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 11 siblings.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2013 at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Faulk Landrum and Barbara Robberson officiating.

Burial will precede the service at 10 a.m. at the Blackjack Cemetery under the direction of Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 911, Athens, 75751 or the Henderson County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 2062, Athens, 75751.