Larry Eager Horton, 71, long-time resident of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, and beloved husband, father, and “Gramps,” died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 3, 2017, after a brief and courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
He is survived by his childhood friend and wife, Alice Beisel Horton; two sons, Jason (Heath) Horton and Jerry (Melissa) Horton of Brunswick, GA; stepdaughter, Norma Sumner (Harry) Kennedy of Midville, GA; brother, Bill Sanders; step-grandsons, Justen (Kimberly) Woods of Buford, GA, Chandler Woods of Fayetteville, GA, and Elliott (Ashlee) Woods of Macon, GA; step- great grandchildren, Caroline, Caitlyn, and Connor Woods. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Larry was born on August 14, 1945, in Valdosta, GA, to the late John Owen Horton, Sr. and the late Frances Morris Horton. Six weeks prior to Larry’s birth his father died, then soon after the family moved to St. Simons Island. He was educated in the Glynn County Public School System, attended Glynn Haven Baptist Church, and resided in German Village for the rest of his life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Jeanne Alday Horton. During her long fight with Multiple Sclerosis, Larry was a devoted caretaker. He was also predeceased by his brothers, John Owen Horton, Jr. and James Lee Horton.
Well-known and widely respected for his entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic, Larry began working as a young boy delivering newspapers on Sea Island using his bicycle. At the age of 14, he started a shrimping business and provided fresh seafood exclusively to the Cloister on Sea Island. Larry was fortunate to have good mentors, including Alfred W. Jones, Buddy Culver, A.C. Oliver, and Bobby Stubbs who helped mold him into a successful businessman.
Larry worked in the heating and air conditioner business for 48 years. He was a former board director at Coastal Bank of Georgia and retired as owner of Horton Heating and Air in 2006. Trusted and reliable, he continued providing services for his long-standing elderly customers and those in need.
Following retirement, Larry and Alice enjoyed traveling around the U.S., and working on his farm in Brantley County. His favorite pastime was working outdoors with his backhoe and tractors. Larry will always be remembered for his loyal friendships, his sense of humor and his willingness to help others. His epitomized a life well lived.
A graveside Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens on St. Simons Island, with Rev. Darrell Joiner officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family extends a heartfelt thank you for memorial contributions made in Larry’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Hospice of the Golden Isles.
Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home www.edomillerandsons.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18