Rev. Dr. Frank Lewis Horton

On October 30th, 2023, Reverend Doctor Frank Lewis Horton passed peacefully in his sleep at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was born in Grantown, West Virginia on July 18, 1937 as the 4th child of Mattie and Timothy Horton, Sr. Rev. Dr. Horton retired from serving as a United Methodist Church Minister and settled in Antioch, Tennessee 13 years ago.

Rev. Dr. Horton is survived by his wife, Mrs. Bunch Nelson Horton; his brothers and sisters, Marie Fluker, Benny Horton, Serita Williams, Charlton Horton and Michael Horton. Rev. Dr. Horton leaves behind 3 daughters, 2 sons, 5 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren from his union with his first wife, Mrs. Carolyn Horton who precedes him in death. His children, Monica H. (Benoni) Knuckles, Renee (Holman) Harley, Jr., Frances L. (Tony) Floyd, Haggar Kollie-Horton (Melinda) Enderle, Paye Kulah-Horton (Eva) Koon. His grandchildren, Marius (Marcus) Thompson, Franklin (Jacqueline) Knuckles, Emmette (Vivianne) Knuckles, Naumaudi, Zindzi, Zimaud, Stephanie Horton and Ashley (Matthew) Wester. His great-grandchildren, Marcus Jr., Malik, Marvel, Nobel, Gabriel, Guilia, Devin, Jayaun, Bryleigh, Mattisyn, Daynea, John Franklin, Charmaine, Ella and Elia. A host of stepchildren, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Mattie and Timothy Horton, Sr.; his first wife, Carolyn Horton; his brother, Timothy Horton, Jr. and his sister, Barbara Horton.

This coal miner’s son enlisted in the Naval Youth Development Program at age sixteen before graduating in 1955 from Dunbar High School in Fairmont, West Virginia. He served in the United States Navy for 5 years then completed a 6-year term in the United States Air Force. It was during his military service that he received his calling into the ministry. Between 1970 and 2013 he served as chaplain at Marshall University, Pittsburgh University, and Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rev. Dr. Horton served as pastor of the following churches: Simpson United Methodist Church in Charleston, West Virginia 1974-1975; St. John United Methodist Church in Gbarnga, Liberia 1978-1980; John Stewart United Methodist Church in Bluefield, West Virginia 1981-1983; E. J. Goodridge United Methodist Church in Monrovia, Liberia 1986-1988; Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Monrovia, Liberia 1989-1995; R.E. Jones United Methodist Church in Louisville, Kentucky 1995-1997; First United Methodist Church in Covington, Kentucky 1999-2002; Stones River United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee 2004-2013 and Stephen Chapel United Methodist Church in Manchester, Tennessee 2004-2013. In addition, Dr. Horton served 24 years with United Methodist Church Global Ministries in Liberia and Sierra Leone, West Africa.

Rev. Dr. Horton was a lifelong learner and a scholar who spoke French, Kpelle and Bassa. His honors and degrees included a B.A. in Philosophy & Religion from Salem College, Salem, WV. 1965, Doctor of Religion in Church & Society from the School of Theology in Claremont, CA.1968, an honorary Doctor of Ministry Salem College in Salem, WV. 1975, M.A. in African & African American Studies State University of New York at Albany 1983, and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Gbarnga School of Theology Monrovia, Liberia 1994 where he also served as Dean of the School of Theology.

Rev. Dr. Horton held memberships in The United Methodist Church in Kentucky, Tennessee and Liberian Annual Conferences. He was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and was a 32-degree Freemason. Rev. Dr. Horton authored publications such as “Teaching Black History in the Methodist Church”; Christian Advocate, Feb. 5, 1970; Christian Advocate 1966; “Interpret Issues in Higher Education" The Interpreter, Nov-Dec. 1970; “Discrimination: What Does it Mean” Christian Century Jan.1971 and “The Black College and the Black Student” Christian Black Century May 1973.

Rev. Dr. Frank Lewis Horton was a scholar, author, theologian, pastor and preacher. In the vein of Father Abraham, he had many sons and daughters globally who weep for his loss and rejoice for his impact on our lives. He embraced all cultures and peoples and believed that no man was too high, or too low to sit and to sup with. He was an unstoppable force, always moving forward while looking upward to the God he faithfully served for decades. He will be sorely missed, fondly remembered and graciously received into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Rev. Dr. Horton will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church, 2334 Herman St, Nashville, TN 37208 followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane Nashville, TN 37204.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the Horton family.