Thomas H. Horton

Thomas Hamilton Horton, 84, of Marietta passed away Friday, April 10, 2009. The Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2009 at Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell, Georgia with Rev. Dr. Margaret Turney-Ayer officiating. Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15th at Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Pleasant Ridge, Alabama. Mr. Horton was born April 17, 1924 the youngest child of Belle Jones and Charles Richardson Horton in Aliceville, Alabama. He later moved to Birmingham, AL to live with his oldest sister Sallie Horton Lay to finish high school. After finishing his freshmen year of undergraduate at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tn., he joined the Army to serve in the Third Army infantry under General Patton’s command in World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his efforts in the Battle of the Bulge and returned to Alabama to finish his undergraduate and go on to earn his Juris Doctor from University of Alabama Law School. After practicing law for several years, Tom found his true calling as a sales representative for West Publishing Company where year after year he ranked in the top ten, climaxing by ranking number one in 1974. Along with being a devoted husband and loving father, he was a true Southern gentleman with a classic wit making all who knew Tom Horton feel welcome in his presence. He retired in May of 1986 and lived out his life with his wife of 40 years, Brookes Ellington Horton in Marietta, Georgia. His survivors are his daughter, Louise Horton Brunson (Joseph B.) of Charleston, SC; son, Grey Richardson Horton (Marti) of Charleston, SC; son, William Clinton Carswell of California; daughter, Sallie Horton Sheppard (John B.) of Beaufort, SC; son, Carew Alexander Carswell (Marie) of Decatur, GA. His blood runs thick through nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren all from whom he drew great pleasure. Tom was preceded in death by his eldest son, Thomas Hamilton Horton, Jr. and one granddaughter, Ellen Louise Horton. Contributions may be made to Homestead Hospice, 3690 Holcombe Bridge Road, Suite 100, Norcross, GA 30092. Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta, Georgia will be handling the arrangements.

Thomas H. Horton

April 12, 2009