Frank Lee Horton, Jr. born February 15th, 1950, formerly of Kingsport, TN., passed away peacefully at home Sunday, July 28th, 2024.
He was born in Stonega, Virginia to Frank Lee Horton Sr. and Barbara Neal Horton. He was a proud resident of Friendsville, Tennessee with his wife of 34 years, Flutchie (Dee Dee) Horton Frank was preceded in death by parents, Barbara Neal and Frank Lee Horton, Sr., brother Stewart Allen Horton and niece Jakella Nicole Horton.
Frank served in the United States Army, as Military Police and was honorably discharged. Frank attended Bluefield State, Knoxville College and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Bristol University. Frank received many recognitions during his lifetime, one being the 2005 Humanitarian Award Nominee from the Upsilon Chi Chapter, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. He texted daily encouraging messages to over 100 family/friends every morning until his health no longer allowed.
While working in the Banking Industry, Frank provided loans to minorities at a time when lending was restricted to African Americans and he never suffered a loan loss. According to many, Frank gave them an opportunity that no other lender would give, and they are forever grateful. Later in life Frank was also the proud owner of an independent Insurance Company.
Frank and DeeDee created a beautiful blended family, his son Rashad Horton, and loving daughter Maya Horton, former spouse and longtime friend Yvonne Horton, blended together with DeeDee’s two children, Angel (Steve) Scott and Jaqueline Parkey. Frank was the proud G-Daddy to Broderick and Braxton Ewing, and Poppy Frank, to Kortney (Darrell) Phillips, Jordan Scott, D’Andre Parkey and Bianca Hatfield. Great-grandfather to four little ones, Salem Scott, Josephine, Stryker and Erelah Phillips.
His departure from this earth has left a deep hole in the hearts of his surviving siblings; brother, David (Julia) Horton, brother, Paul Horton, and sister Kimberly Horton. He is survived by his cherished Uncle Willie Horton (Gloria) and many nieces and nephews.
Family bonds are not only formed by blood, but also formed through lifelong friendships, and those friendships should never go unrecognized. Many times we have friends that we acknowledge as family and look out for each other like family, and this was the relationship between Frank and these special friends; James (Moose) Henry, Lester McClain, Don “Arde” Johnson, Gene Ferguson and Ralph Clayton. Your love support and generosity did not go unnoticed and will never be forgotten! For those who came and visited with Frank during these past months, your time, love and support was greatly appreciated and brought many joyful moments into Frank's days.
Frank had an infectious personality and seldom met a stranger. He and DeeDee opened their home to everyone they met along their life journey. Frank will forever be known for his big heart, warm smile, loving nature and the Birthday Song! Over the years, he was challenged with health issues, but took on each one with a smile. This positive attitude, a loving and devoted wife and his unwavering faith in God helped him to persevere and overcome.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude as we are deeply touched and immensely grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and kindness that has been shown to us during this incredibly challenging time. Everyone’s compassion and acts of kindness has been a source of strength and comfort, reminding us that we are not alone in our grief. The unwavering support of our family, friends, and community has touched our hearts in ways words cannot express. We would like to “Thank You All” for your love, prayers, and presence. We are truly grateful to each and every one of you.
A special “Thank You” to the following for their never endinglove, time and support; George (Cheryl) Simonis, Don (Arde) Johnson and Linda Kinte, Ernestine (Neda) Hardnett, Jacob (Judy) Carter, Tom (Becky) ColeE, John (Mary) Cook, High School Friends, Atty. Rick Spivey, Christina Thompson, Ryan Kinte and Jazzmine Avery, Stanley Young, our devoted next door neighbors the Scott’s, his Prayer Network Brothers, lifelong friend Roberta “Bert” Lanauze, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. We also would like to thank those at Blount Memorial Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Heart Health, DCI staff, Blount Memorial Home Health, Hospice team, Veterans Association and Senior Helpers who provided care for Frank.
Frank was a 10-year heart transplant survivor and he and the family were eternally grateful that a very special individual made the choice to become an Organ Donor. This individuals choice gave Frank the gift of life and blessed our family by extending the time we had Frank in our lives. There would be no better way to honor Franks memory than for us to also consider making the choice to become an Organ Donor. Therefore in lieu of flowers or other tributes we ask that you consider honoring Frank by becoming an Organ Donor and potentially providing someone with the ultimate gift. The gift of life!
The memorial service will be held August 23rd, 2024 at 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at:
East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery
2200 East Governor John Sevier Hwy
Knoxville, TN. 37920
Following the memorial service the family will receive friends at: 2:00p to 4:00PM at:
Topside Studios 1543 E. Old Topside Rd
Louisville, TN 37777
