Tommy Horton, Sr. 81, left this world to be with our Heavenly Father on Monday, Nov. 6, 2022. Even though a failing heart and cancer took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the community and his family.
Funeral service will be Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Cullman Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Ryan Baptist Cemetery in Montevallo. Rev. Jimmy Aaron and Rev. Earnest Stone will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday evening at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m.
Tommy was born to Lowell and Zora Thomas on Jan. 27, 1941, in Shelby County, Alabama. He joined the Marine Corps serving his country for several years. Destined to be an entrepreneur, Tommy found great success in all his chosen endeavors. He moved to Northwest Indiana and worked diligently at the Roofer’s Local 26 in Hammond, IN., and went on to own his own Roofing Company known as “Tommy Horton & Son’s Roofing.” Tommy was the definition of a “Christian Man” His word was his bond. He was highly respected in his chosen profession and known for his honesty and fair business values.
Tommy’s love for Jesus was evident in his daily personal and professional conduct. He served as a Deacon, song leader and Sunday school teacher for many years. Tommy went door to door in his community telling others about Jesus, planting the seeds of Salvation to many. He allowed Christ to guide him with his family and was responsible for leading his children to knowing Christ as their personal Savior.
In 1970 Tommy met and married the love of his life Ruth (Thrasher) Horton. His love for Ruth was evident during their 52 years of marriage. Through good times and bad they leaned on each other and uplifted each other in prayer. Tommy and Ruth were inseparable throughout the years. Tommy and Ruth had 7 children, 32 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and he played a monumental role in all their lives as a Christian man.
Humble and hardworking, straightforward yet compassionate, Tommy epitomized the quintessential gentleman, as a businessman, loyal friend, Christian and a devoted family man. He had many joys in life, including playing the piano and guitar, being a prankster, Alabama Football and fishing; however, his greatest joy of his life was his family. He was a loving Husband, Father and “Pawpaw,” and his ultimate pride and joy were his grandchildren of whom he loved dearly.
Tommy is survived by his beautiful wife, Ruth Horton along with his children; Della Lesko (Frank), Tommy Horton (Mallory), Tanya Horton, Sylvia Stewart (Jeff), Curtis Horton (Tina), Rachel Horton; Tommy Lance (Phaidra), Martin Horton, Ruth Rice (Tyler) and Trinity Horton. He had 32 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his daughter Tina Horton, father Rev. Lowell Thomas, and mother Zora Thomas “Lucile”.
A Season for Everything
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
Ecclesiastes 3:1-6, 14-15
