Carl Irvin Horne

Carl Irvin Horne, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love for his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Regina Ann Horne; his parents, Ernest John Horne and Helen Cloyce Horne; and his sister, Helen Yvonne Horne.

He is survived by his loving children, Chris Horne (Karen) and Mitzi Pitzing (Brandie); his cherished grandchildren, Carli Colburn, Annika Horne, Caleb Colburn, Camdyn Colburn, Chase Ethridge (Payton), and Cruz Weatherly; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Carl graduated from Holt High School and later graduated from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy in El Paso, Texas. He dedicated 41 years of honorable service to the Alabama Army National Guard, retiring as a First Sergeant with Company C, 31st Army Brigade Medical Unit. He also proudly served as the Unit Administrator.

After retiring from the National Guard, Carl drove a school bus for the Tuscaloosa County School System and especially enjoyed driving his grandchildren to school and attending their field trips.

A faithful Christian, Carl was a longtime member of Valley View Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa.

Carl was especially gifted in the kitchen. His one-of-a-kind barbecue sauce became a treasured family tradition that will continue to be passed down through generations. He was also known for his legendary German chocolate cake.

As a family, we continue to stand firmly on our faith, holding fast to James 4:7 as our foundation: 'Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.'

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral services celebrating the life of Carl Irvin Horne will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Heritage Chapel Funeral Home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., following by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m.

The service will be officiated by Rev. David E. Gay Jr., Pastor of Beulah Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, and Rev. Milton Wilson Jr., Pastor of Holly Springs Baptist Church in Northport, Alabama. Both proudly served alongside Carl in Company C, 31st Army Brigade Medical Unit of the Alabama Army National Guard.

Burial will immediately follow at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park, where full military honors will be rendered in recognition of Carl's 41 years of faithful service to the Alabama Army National Guard.

Pallbearers will be the active service members of the Honor Guard.

Honorary Pallbearers are all those who faithfully served alongside First Sergeant Carl Irvin Horne in Company C, 31st Army Brigade Medical Unit of the Alabama Army