With family present, Richard Horton, age 82, died peacefully in his sleep on August 22nd, ending a long journey with Parkinson’s and Primary Progressive Aphasia. His request to be buried privately alongside his late parents in their family plot was honored. He was laid to rest on August 23rd in Williamsburg Cemetery, Kingstree, SC.
Richard was born February 12, 1944, in Lake City, SC, and moved to Kingstree with his parents, brother, and sister when he was one. He grew up in the most idyllic of times, a time when children played freely, mostly outside, and were told to come home when the street lights came on. He was surrounded by aunts and uncles who loved him, and many cousins and friends. As a child, he loved the outdoors and spent countless hours roaming the woods, exploring Black River, swimming, fishing, hunting, and camping with his buddies. He enjoyed all sports and played football, basketball, baseball, ran track, and boxed.
After high school, Richard left for college but was drafted into the Army before finishing. He was sent to Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division and, while in Vietnam, was awarded the Bronze Star three times. After his tour in Vietnam, he left the Army as a captain and returned to finish school, ultimately earning a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He had a long and fulfilling career in telecommunications, first at First National Bank of SC and then at Line One (later MCI), with final stops at Spirit Telecom and the South Carolina Energy Office.
Throughout his life, Richard was known as a kind and fun-loving ‘good guy’. He was unfailingly honest and dependable, yet unassuming. He woke up early, went to bed late, and was happy doing ‘whatever’ in between. He loved and enjoyed his friends, animals, the lake, beaches, rivers, the woods, good music, playing pranks (often involving rubber snakes), Clemson sports, and most especially his family.
He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather to a family who will miss him dearly.
Richard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Blanche; his son Rich (Amanda), grandchildren Anna Kate Horton, Luke Horton, Jack Pierstorff, and Zerick Pierstorff; his sister Wynn Horton McGregor and brothers-in-law Walter Dargan and Hugh Dargan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Warren Horton and Harriet Winston Horton; his brother Sammy Horton and Sammy’s wife Jayne; and his brothers-in-law Angus McGregor, Karl Dargan, and Freddy Dargan.
A gathering is being planned to celebrate his life at a later date.
Please consider the Gary Sinise Foundation if wishing to make a donation in Richard’s memory.