home Friday, March 4, 2022, after a courageous 10 year battle with cancer. He was a member
of St. Luke UMC in Columbus, GA, where he was on the Administrative Board, in the NOW
Sunday School Class, and in the Men's Bible Study. He spent over 30 years in the Muscogee
County School District as Director of Research, Personnel Director, and Deputy
Superintendent. After retirement, he served as a professor at Columbus State University and
at Troy University.
He loved spending time with his family and friends and retired to rural Harris County where
he enjoyed gardening and God's beautiful creations in nature. He loved his Alabama Crimson
Tide and relished in hosting many Bama football parties at his home.
Born to Foy and Inez Hortman, he grew up in Sylvester, GA. Dr. Hortman graduated from
Worth County High School. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Valdosta
University where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He met the love of his life
while in the Doctoral Program at Alabama and they recently celebrated their 37th anniversary.
Predeceased by his parents, Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Sandi Hortman, and his
children Chad (Jenn), Tyler (Tori), and Alex Roper (Scott). Also he is survived by one brother,
Ricky (Robin), and three grandchildren: Asia Hortman, Kate and Emma Roper and countless
other family and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Luke UMC at 11:00
Wednesday, March 9th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke UMC in
Columbus, GA, Columbus Hospice, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
