William Edward Horsley Jr.

William Edward Horsley, Jr., 80, died on June 19, 2025, at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens, Georgia. Ed was born in Nansemond County, Virginia, on July 2, 1944, and graduated from Chuckatuck High School, where he was senior class president. A proud Hokie, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from Virginia Polytechnic and State University.

Born into a farming family, Ed had a lifelong career and pastime in agriculture. He retired as a production manager after a 38-year career with Golden Peanut Company in Aulander, North Carolina (formerly Gold Kist Peanuts of Suffolk, Virginia). When he wasn’t working in the peanut industry, he enjoyed helping his brothers on their farms and raising enough vegetables in his massive garden to feed his family and neighbors. He was an avid supporter of 4-H Clubs, having achieved the highest recognition of 4-H All-Star, and often helped at 4-H livestock shows and encouraged his own children to participate in 4-H activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward Horsley, Sr., and Olive Hingerty Horsley of Suffolk, Virginia, and by two infant sisters.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jacqueline D. Horsley; his children, William Edward (Billy) Horsley, III (Sonya) of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, J. Suzanne Horsley of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, (the late Joseph Herron) and Angela Hurt (Todd) of Athens. He had six grandchildren (Will, Jacob, and Darden Horsley; Harper and Lydia Rowell; and Connor Hurt, as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brothers, Donald H. Horsley (Diane) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Barry C. Horsley (Cindy) of Monet, Missouri.

His family holds deep gratitude for the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who cared for him throughout his medical journey, and they encourage all to consider giving the gift of life through blood and organ donation.

There will be a graveside service on August 1 at 10 a.m. at Holly Lawn Cemetery, 1525 N. Main Street, Suffolk, Virginia. R.W. Baker & Company Funeral Home is managing the Virginia arrangements.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.