Gene Russell Horton

Mr. Horton was born October 10, 1927 in McDowell County, NC to the late Robert V. Horton, Sr. and Beulah Gillespie Horton. He was a WWII and Korean Conflict veteran of the US Navy and was the former owner/operator of Horton’s Grocery Store, which was run by the Horton family for over 65 years. Mr. Horton was also a charter member of the American Legion for 66 years and the first Governor of the Marion Moose Lodge.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife, Dottie Barisano Horton; one brother, Robert V. Horton, Jr.; one sister, Vivian England; and close friend, Bill Ford.

Surviving Mr. Horton are his daughter, Jeannie Edwards and Ralph Williams of Marion, NC; two granddaughters, Gwena Morgan and husband, Frank of Wake Forest, NC and Mandy Edwards of Asheville, NC; and one great-grandson, Banks Morgan.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Friday, January 10, 2013 at Kirksey Funeral Home in Marion, NC. A Private Graveside Service will follow at McDowell Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: American Legion Post 56 – P.O. Box 457 Marion, NC 28752 or McDowell County Rescue Squad – P.O. Box 883 Marion, NC 28752.

Words of comfort may be shared with the Horton family at www.kirkseyfhmarion.com