David Howard Horne Jr.

David was born in Jacksonville, Florida on July 12, 1950, into the loving arms of his parents, David Howard Horne, Sr. And Betty Tanner Horne. He attended Paxon Senior High School, where he excelled as a student and was President of the student council and a member of the National Honor Society. David was also a standout athlete, lettering in three sports and awarded a football scholarship to play quarterback at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. After graduating with honors from the Citadel, David proudly became a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, training to become a fighter pilot at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California in 1972. In 1974, David made one of the toughest decisions of his life when, due to an injury, he accepted an honorable discharge from the Air Force. David always remained a devoted Air Force officer and a true patriot who loved his country.

David excelled in school and sports while attending Paxon High School and the Citadel. He set a very high bar for his younger brothers, Bill and Jim. He was an incredible big brother and a fantastic role model for so many. David had a passion for writing and a true love For acting in the local community theater, performing in countless local and regional plays and helping many young actors.

David lived his life to please others, giving of himself generously and unconditionally. He spent countless hours volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation, coaching Little League sports and always lending a helping hand to the many friends he made as an IT professional after his retirement from the Air Force.

David attended Woodstock Park Baptist Church and later Park Lane Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and served him faithfully.

David is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jacquelyn Cotton (Dr. Travis Cotton), his grandchildren, Caroline, Charlotte and Fletcher Cotton, his brothers Bill and Jim Horne (Lori Horne), many loving cousins, nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles.

Services will be held at Hardage-Gidden’s funeral home on Normandy Boulevard at 11 AM on Monday, July 29th. He will be buried at the Jacksonville National cemetery.