Gerald Horton

Gerald Horton

Gerald David Horton, 79, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born July 23, 1946, in Tupelo, to Cyrous Horton and Christine Edge Horton. Gerald was a graduate of Saltillo High School and later earned his electrical license through a mail-in electrical school. Even during his years working as a truck driver, he continued to use his electrical skills, a testament to his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Carol Ruth Summers Horton, and together they built a life centered around faith, family, and community while raising their two children.

Committed to lifelong learning, Gerald in the ’80 attended Itawamba Community College in Tupelo and went on to earn his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi’s Tupelo campus. His faith was a cornerstone of his life. Gerald was a devoted and active member of Allen’s Chapel United Methodist Church where he faithfully served as a choir member, Sunday school teacher, and member of the United Methodist Men’s group. In 1986, when the church was rebuilt, Gerald generously used his electrical expertise to complete all the electrical work himself, leaving a lasting contribution to the church he loved.

Gerald enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and was known for his enthusiasm and kindness. He was an avid fan of Mississippi State athletics and the Pittsburgh Steelers and proudly supported his Republican values. He valued health and fitness, often working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Gerald also found peace in watching birds and spending time on the water, whether relaxing at the beach or deep-sea fishing. Above all, he was a devoted family man who considered many in the community part of his extended family, often inviting others to church and sharing his faith.

Gerald is survived by his two children, David Horton and his wife, Star, of Wheeler Community, and Chrissi Horton of Mooreville; two grandchildren, Isabella Horton, and Ellalee Horton; and two brothers, James Horton and his wife, Barbara, of the Pratts Community, and Jacky Horton of Tupelo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cyrous and Christine Horton; wife, Carol Ruth Summers Horton; and sister, Linda Staten.

Visitation will be 12 p.m. until service time Monday, March 16, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring his life will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues with Rev. Rob Gill officiating. Burial will be in Gilvo Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Horton, John Mark Webb, Phil Webb, Scott Ford, Michael Horton, and Andrew Ford.

Memorial may be made Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PeguesFuneralHome.com.