Dr. Charles Richardson Horton, Jr., of Huntsville, Alabama, died on August 4, 2024, at the age of 58, after a 16-month battle with glioblastoma.
Charles “Chuck” Horton, Jr., was preceded in death by his twin sister, Miriam Virginia “Ginger” Horton Szabo-Durham; his father-in-law, William Frederick Pfeil; and his grandparents, James “Jimmy” Clifton Poole, Jr., and Marguerite Kirksey Poole, and William Amos Horton and Margaret Cunningham Horton.
Chuck is survived by his wife of 31 years, Melea Pfeil Horton; their two daughters, Laura Melea Horton and Marguerite “Maggie” Ann Horton; his parents, Marguerite “Rita” Poole Horton and Charles “Charlie” Richardson Horton; his mother-in-law, Rebecca Ann Pfeil; his sisters-in-law, Lisa Pfeil Williams (Mark) and Susan Pfeil Harvey (Tim); his nephews, Ethan Antal Szabo, Peter Horton Szabo, and Michael Andrew Harvey (Ally); his nieces, Lauren Williams Jett (Kyle) and Rebecca Harvey Ponder (Ben); as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Chuck graduated from Huntsville High School in 1984. He attended Auburn University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science followed by a Master of Science in Pharmacology. In 1993, he completed a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and went on to complete his Pediatric Residency at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Chuck was the managing partner of Twickenham Pediatrics for 27 years and touched the lives of countless children and families. During his career, he also served as the Chief of Pediatrics at Crestwood Medical Center and the Chair of Pediatrics at Huntsville Hospital. In addition to his private pediatric practice, he was a Clinical Instructor and Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama Medical School Huntsville campus. In this role, he mentored many UAB medical students who now carry on his medical legacy. Additionally, he was the president of the Madison County Medical Society.
He was an active member of his community throughout his life. As a youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Later in life, he served as the Scholarship Chair for the Huntsville Madison County Auburn Club and the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics Leadership Council for nearly 20 years. He also served as a board member for the American Cancer Society and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2005. Chuck loved to hike, golf, travel, and work on and race his track car. He was a long-time member of Huntsville First United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be Friday, August 9, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the historic sanctuary of Huntsville First United Methodist Church. Burial and graveside service will be Saturday, August 10, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pleasant Ridge Church Cemetery in Pleasant Ridge, Alabama, with the Reverend Dr. Bill Crosby officiating.
Memorials can be sent to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, benefiting Pediatrics, or the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics Dr. Charles R. Horton, Jr. Endowed Memorial Scholarship.
Directions to Pleasant Ridge Church Cemetery- Eutaw, AL (Between Eutaw and Aliceville, AL in Greene County)
Approx. 3 hours from Huntsville
From Huntsville follow I-65 to Birmingham turn onto I 20/59 toward Tuscaloosa.
Take I- 20/59 through Tuscaloosa to Exit 40 (Eutaw/Aliceville)
Turn right(W) onto HWY 14 go 5.1 mi and turn right staying on HWY 14
Go 9.1 mi and turn left onto Pleasant Ridge Road
Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church will be on your right
Go past church and park anywhere along there and proceed to cemetery.
