Leonard Anthony Horton

Leonard Anthony Horton, Jr., 89, passed away on June 15, 2013, from complications arising from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare illness. A true Atlanta native, he was born at home on October 29, 1923 to Leonard and Rosalie Huff Horton in his parents' house on Center Street. His family had lived in the Home Park area since the 1880s, as his grandfather had owned the property on Howell Mill Road that was to become the Atlanta Water Works, before the Home Park neighborhood was even built by Atlantic Steel for its workers right after the turn of the century. Today, Home Park is a part of the Georgia Tech community. He attended Home Park Elementary School, Boys High School, The College of William and Mary, and Emory University. He served his country in World War II in the European Theater. His unit, Company C, 90th Chemical Mortar Battalion, was among the earliest to cross the Bridge at Remagen into Germany. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Atlanta and married Judy Pritchett in 1946 at North Atlanta Baptist Church, where they were members for many years. Soon after, he began a 30 year career with the US Postal Service, working on the railway line, and at various Post Offices, including Briarcliff and Station K. His customers were often known to bring him gifts in appreciation of his friendly service. After retiring, he purchased a farm near Athens, which he ran for the last 30 years. After moving out from the city in 1960 and building a home in the then undeveloped Oak Grove neighborhood, he became active in Briarcliff Baptist Church, singing in the men's choir until his passing. After years of serving on the church's Benevolent Fund, he continued with his charitable activities, helping others in need with no regard for recognition or credit. Unknown to most of his neighbors, he was active in maintaining his neighborhood. When the neighbors who shared the long uphill path from North Akin Drive to Oak Grove School became unable to keep it cleared, he took on the responsibility for the last 25 years so that his neighbors' children could walk safely to school. When his wife, Judy, developed dementia, he kept her at home and became her caregiver for over 16 years, right to the end. All who knew Leonard will remember his tireless work ethic and his kind, good-natured outlook and his readiness to help others. For his entire extended family, he held the center, hosting every major holiday and family gathering, doing most of the cooking himself. He was unequaled as a father, neighbor and friend. He lived his faith through example. He is survived by his son, Charles Christopher Horton; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia L. Horton and Jim Gray; grandchildren, Shirley Grace Horton and Charles Anthony Horton; and numerous nieces and nephews around Atlanta, Athens and Birmingham, AL. He was predeceased by his wife, Judy Horton, and his only sister, Dorothy Stevens, of Montevallo, Alabama. Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 17, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Westview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Briarcliff Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 17th from 12:00 noon to 1:15 p.m. at A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, Decatur.



Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033