August 28, 1944 – April 15, 2026
Tommy Ray Horton, 81, of New Hope, Alabama, was born on August 28, 1944, in Collinwood, Tennessee, to the late Charlie Hobart and Naomi Dixon Horton. He departed this life on April 15, 2026, in New Hope, Alabama.
Tommy was born and raised in Wayne County, Tennessee, and remained proud of his roots throughout his life. In 1961, he was honored as Mr. Collinwood High School. He was a talented basketball player, an avid Tennessee Volunteers fan, and never missed a chance to share stories from his playing days. Tommy was known as a friend to everyone he met, with a warm personality, an easy smile, and a gift for making others feel welcome.
On May 13, 1967, he was united in marriage to Linda Hunt, with whom he built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Together they made their home in Waynesboro, Tennessee, and later in Florence, Alabama, before moving to New Hope, Alabama, in 2014.
For the past decade Tommy has been a faithful member of the Twickenham church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama. He also served as a deacon at the Macedonia church of Christ in Florence, Alabama, a deacon at the Waynesboro church of Christ in Waynesboro, Tennessee and the pulpit minister at the Wayne Furnace church of Christ in Waynesboro, Tennessee. His faith was an important part of his life and was reflected in the way he served others.
Tommy worked as a supervisor at Genesco and was employed for many years as a route driver for Bunny Bread, Golden Flake, and Frito-Lay. Tommy and Linda also owned and operated the Western Auto store in Waynesboro, Tennessee, where they became a familiar and valued part of the community. He also served in the Tennessee National Guard.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Hunt Horton of New Hope, Alabama; his sons, Tommy Kevin Horton and wife Vicki of New Hope, Alabama, and Brittnea Horton and wife Larinda of Smiths Station, Alabama; his son-in-law, David May of Starkville, Mississippi; his grandchildren, Ellen Deasy and husband Chad, Kenton Horton, Jacob Horton, James May, Will May and wife Maggie, Grace Creager and husband Ethan, Faith Torres and husband Adam, Ellie Horton, Samuel Horton, and Bethany Horton; his great-granddaughters, Addison and Dakota Deasy; his sisters, Jeanette Calton, Delia Kelly, Shelia Vencion, Doris Brewer, and Joyce Ray; and his brothers, Nathaniel Horton, Billy Horton, and Robert Horton and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Natalie May; his sister, Charlene Hollis; and his brothers, Ronald Horton and Ralph Horton.
Tommy will be remembered for his deep love for his family, his unwavering faith and the many stories and laughs he shared with those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, friendship, and devotion that will not be forgotten.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the Twickenham church of Christ from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with the funeral following at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at a later date at the Horton & Daniel Memorial Garden, Collinwood, TN.
