Harold Horton

Harold André Horton was born on August 31, 1939, in Lenoir, North Carolina. He was the oldest of five children born to the late Thomas and Annie Mae Horton. As a youth, Harold was exposed to golf as a caddy at a local golf course. He developed and honed his skills, making this sport a lifetime passion. Upon graduation from high school, where he excelled in basketball, football and academics, Harold attended North Carolina A&T University. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in microbiology. He was accepted into the Naval Aviation Academy in Pensacola, FL, but suffered an injury that resulted in his medical discharge. Harold married Margaret Ann Patterson, who was truly the love of his life, in December of 1962. They grew up together in Lenoir, began dating in high school and both attended college in Greensboro. Harold and Margaret began their life together in Columbus, Ohio. He worked for Bristol-Myers Squibb in Syracuse, New York and later relocated his family to Cincinnati, OH. Harold retired as a Pharmaceutical Sales Trainer in 1995. Among Harold’s favorite pastimes were golfing, gardening and yard work, but nothing compared to his devotion to family. His agenda revolved around Margaret and his beloved daughters Helisa Ann, Sara Lanell and Marla Alane. Harold built strong bonds with his sons-in-laws Kyle (Helisa), Larry (Lanell) and Bernard (Marla). His final legacy remains with his grandchildren - Kayla Margaret and Christopher Horton Whitley; Alana Margaret Cureton and Nina Francesca Marguerite Kupers. They will miss him greatly but were blessed to build special memories during the time that they were able to spend with him. Public Service was also a vital part of Harold’s life. He served in Big Brothers in Columbus, OH; the Lions Club and Masons in Syracuse, NY; and as a volunteer at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Cincinnati Zoo. Along with his daughters, sons-in-laws and grandchildren, he is survived by his siblings Michael Horton of Columbus, OH and Barbara Horton of Newton NC, and a multitude of extended family and friends. Harold was preceded in death by his sister, Commella Floyd (Raymond) and brother, Thomas Horton.