Funeral services for Jeffrey Louie Horton of Hanceville will be 1 p.m. Thursday, November 14th at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Greens Chapel Cemetery in Blount County. The family will welcome friends for visitation from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 13th and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, November 14th at Hanceville Funeral Home.
Jeffrey Horton, affectionately known by many as “Coach Goat,” passed away on November 9, 2024 in Hanceville. Born on November 19, 1960 in Oneonta, Coach Goat was a devoted family man, a steadfast friend, and a community icon. His life was filled with a passion for sports, particularly football, and a boundless love for those around him—especially children.
Coach Goat worked in the maintenance department for Cullman County Schools, dedicating the last decade of his career to Holly Pond School, where he became an irreplaceable part of the school community. Whether it was coaching sports, driving a bus at a moment’s notice, or tending to the upkeep of school grounds, He was always the one you could call on. His selflessness, kindness, and dedication made him a fixture not only at Holly Pond but in the lives of everyone he encountered.
Beyond his time at Holly Pond, Coach Goat spent previous years working with Lee Distribution and Webb Wheel, contributing his deep work ethic and compassion in every role he took on. Known for his warm heart and caring spirit, he was a staple in his community—someone people could count on without hesitation.
Coach Goat’s legacy is not just in the fields and halls he maintained but in the lives he touched with his kindness and generosity. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and countless students who were blessed to know “Coach Goat.” He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Horton; and grandparents, Lonnie Horton, Louell Tidwell, Jay Evans and Pernie Evans.
Survivors include his loving mother, Ossie Horton; sisters, Joyce (Scott) Hodges and Polly Roberts; nephews, Drake Hodges, Jarrod Roberts, and Brody Roberts; great nephew, Zach Hodges; a host of cousins; and his beloved Holly Pond Community.
Hanceville Funeral Home is honored to serve the Horton Family.