Joe was born in Chattanooga on July 13, 1929, and was a 1948 graduate of Chattanooga City High School. Shortly afterwards he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as Staff Sargent during the Korean War. Prior to enlisting, he met the love of his life, Nadia E. Robinson. They were married on June 21, 1951. After service in the Air Force, Joe took a job with Penn-Dixie Cement in Atlanta. While in Atlanta he also attended and graduated as an accountant from Georgia State University. Joe moved his family back to Chattanooga in 1962 where he worked as a Financial Controller for Dixie Sand & Gravel, Hart’s Automotive, Singer-Cobble and Silk Screen Sign.
In 1975 he founded his own firm, Horton Bookkeeping & Tax, PC, where he worked until the age of 96. He developed many close friendships with his clients over that time.
The most important things in Joe’s life were serving God and spending time with his family. He was a Christian and faithful member of the Red Bank church of Christ. Joe was a long-time deacon and treasurer for the church.
Joe and Nadia loved their close friends at church. After Nadia’s passing, he continued to enjoy time with those friends. It was important to Joe to support his son’s, grandson’s and great grandchildren in all their endeavors. He led an active life even in his later years; traveling with family, hiking, boating. Joe even tried ziplining and parasailing near age 90.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hearth Hospice for their wonderful service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. Horton, Sr & Louise W. Horton, his wife of 58 years, Nadia R. Horton along with his brother Tommy Horton.
He is survived by two sons, Joey (Teresa), and Terry (Kaye) all of Chattanooga, two grandsons, Joseph (Lauren) of Winchester, TN and Patrick (Diana) of Chattanooga; great-grandchildren Elise, Neely Jane, Avery, Olive, Clara Jo and Vance and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026. A celebration for Joe will be held at 6 p.m. at the North Chapel with minister Joseph Horton officiating.
Burial will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the National Cemetery with Steve Lusk officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mary Parham International School c/o Red Bank church of Christ, 3600 Dayton Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN 37415 or Hearth Hospice, 811 Broad St. Chattanooga, TN 37402.
Arrangements are to be made by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
