Joel “Joe” Leonard Horton was called to our Heavenly Father on January 2, 2021, at the age of 76. Beloved husband of Deborah Parnell Horton. Cherished father of Rona Horton Frelich (Kent), Joel “Joey” Horton, Jr. (Gina), Erin Horton Cossé (Kerry), April Parnell Taylor (Damond), and Liana Parnell Chambers. Adored “Papa” of Mallory and Joel Horton III, Sydnie and Kolton Cossé, Tina and Andy Le, James Lee Cunningham, Trystan Taylor, Amber Houston (Gray), Jaymison Cunningham, and Gannon Houston. Brother of Vicki Horton Hinson, Joyce Horton Waters, and June Horton Crosby. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edna Thompson Horton and Nevell Horton, and is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
As a young man, Joe moved to Louisiana and worked for the local power company, from which he retired after 39 years of service and returned to Grove Hill. He was one of the first and last linemen who actually climbed poles in the marsh. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #422 in Triumph, served as a Boy Scout troop leader, and was a devoted volunteer firefighter, where he continued to fight fires even after being badly burned in a fire himself. He was a strong and respected man who never met a stranger and was always graciously willing to help others. He loved fishing, hunting, visiting with friends and family, and joking. He had a big heart, which overflowed with love for his family, and brought much joy to the lives he touched. He was greatly loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed and never forgotten by his family, friends and the mother of his children, Gloria Treadaway Roseburrough. While his illness weakened the strong and talented man that he was, that same illness was also a silver lining motivating his oldest granddaughter, Mallory, to become an RN, of whom he was so proud and made sure every medical professional he encountered knew it. The family expresses their extreme heartfelt gratitude to Jeff and Lela (Baba) Green for all of the selfless time, assistance and love they have given Joe over the years.
Visitation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 19730 Highway 43, Grove Hill, AL, on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon with Fr. Travis Burnett officiating. Interment at Antioch Baptist Church cemetery. MASKS REQUIRED. St. Stephens Funeral Home will be directing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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