Eric Efrem Horton was born April 14, 1960, in Huntsville, Alabama to the late Earl and Nancy Horton. After a life full of love, joy, and selflessness, he entered eternal rest on May 17, 2023, at Huntsville Hospital. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Eric accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was a member of Center Grove United Methodist Church. He later transferred his membership to Church Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church, then to St. Bartley PB Church. Eric was a lover of great music no matter the genre, but especially Earth, Wind, and Fire. His appreciation for men’s fashion, track and field, stars and their celestial bodies knew no bounds (he was ecstatic to meet Neil deGrasse Tyson). Eric was a dedicated employee, of MATSU Alabama, Inc. He was respected and admired by his colleagues for his hard work, integrity, and kindness. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Eric’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband and father, always putting their needs before his own. He was a constant source of love, support, and encouragement. His family and friends knew that they could always count on him. He was a role model and inspiration to his sons, teaching them the importance of hard work, honesty, and compassion.
Eric is survived by his wife of 32 years, Dalaina, and their three sons, Eric Savoy Horton and Daughter-In-Love, Demetria Horton of Madison, Alabama; his youngest sons, Lloyd-Xavier Alexander Horton, and Benjamin Daniel Horton of Madison, AL; his granddaughter, Kylee Symone’ Horton of Madison, AL; his younger sister, Deidre Horton-Daniel of Huntsville, AL; one uncle, Paul Copeland of Huntsville, AL; two aunts, Eleanor Roper and Odell Banks all of Huntsville, AL; one nephew, Ishmael Daniel of New Orleans, LA; four nieces, Marlene Brooks of Huntsville, AL, Ebony Robinson of Dallas, TX, Anitra Peterson of Adamsville, AL, and Tia Hereford of Madison, AL. Eric was preceded in death by his older brother Earl Maurice Horton.
Eric’s passing is a great loss to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his loyalty, and his unwavering love for his family. His legacy will live on through his children and the memories he created with those he loved. Rest in peace, Eric Horton, and thank you for a life well-lived.
Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m., Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the St. Bartley Primitive Baptist Church (3020 Belfonte Avenue Huntsville, AL 35816) with Pastor Jaymes Mooney officiating. Entombment will be in the Faith Memorial Park. Mr. Horton will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral service time.
The Omega Ceremony for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 26, 2023; 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, May 27, 2023, and 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home.
