MSG (Ret.) William Dale “Bill” Horton, 90, of Columbus, Georgia passed away on September 1, 2025, at Columbus Hospice House. He was born on February 6, 1935, in Missouri to the late Lizzie Campbell Horton and William McKinley Horton. Bill faithfully served his country in the United States Army for over 18 years serving during Vietnam. During his military career he achieved the rank as Master Sergeant. He was awarded and highly decorated with numerous decorations, medals, badges, and ribbons during his career to include Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star and Silver Star with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster.
He was married to the late Mae McCoy Horton, together they shared a home in Columbus until Mae’s passing in 2006. After Bill’s retirement from his military service, he went into the civilian work force with Tom’s Foods in Columbus where he retired as a supervisor after many years. Bill loved animals so much that he had three dachshunds named Jeannie. When squirrels chewed on his roof, he would trap them and release them back into the wild.
Bill was a loving husband, father, and friend. He will be greatly missed, but we know he is at peace and holding Mae’s hand. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lizzie and William Horton; his wife Mae Horton; his stepdaughter Joann Nix; and his step grandson Matt Nichols.
Bill leaves his loving memory to be cherished by his stepson, Randy Nichols; stepdaughter, Jan Wilson; his step-grandchildren: Ashley Nix and Jarrod Wilson; his step granddaughter-in-law Lauren Nichols; his step great-grandchildren: Avery Nix, Levi Nix and Adelyn Nichols; his niece, Barbara Evans; and his wonderful friends and neighbors in Maple Ridge.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM in the St. Elmo Room of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907. A graveside service with military honors rendered on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM in Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907 with Pastor Bobby John Stevens officiating.
