Charles Ray Horton

Charles Ray Horton October 19, 1930 – August 30, 2026

Charles Horton’s faith became sight on August 30th 2026 at the age of 95. He was born in Woodson, Texas to Harry Houston Horton and Ada Odessa Horton in the fall of 1930. The family eventually moved to Wichita Falls, Texas where they remained making a great home for Charles and his older brother Dewey. Charles graduated from Wichita Falls High School. There he played football where his absolute love of the sport was solidified. He later graduated from Midwestern State University earning a Batchelor's degree in business. Dad spent time as a pipeline layer, which garnered his interest in the Texas oil and gas industry. After college he was drafted into the U.S. Army as part of the Finance Corps. During his time in the Army, he participated in the Atomic Bomb testing which took place in the Yucca Flats in Nye County, Nevada. Further service brought Charles to Germany where he enjoyed Wiesbaden, Baumholder and Baden-Baden. He was also able to get away during R&R and see most of Europe including so many cathedrals in which he loved to hear the music. His love of music helped him cultivate a gorgeous tenor voice that he used to serve the Lord most of his life. After Charles and Mary Beth were married, they used their talents to perform at weddings and funerals where Mary Beth played the organ or the piano and Charles would sing. Charles pursued an oil/gas company career that took them to Houston, Texas, Ponca City, Oklahoma eventually settling in Miami, Florida where he was hired by Eastern Airlines for his developed expertise in fuel pipeline systems. His post Eastern Airlines career took him to Baptist Health where he participated in their procurement operations which eventually became its Supply Chain Management division. After retirement, Charles volunteered to visit patients in Baptist Hospital continuing to be a great example as a humble servant of the Lord. Charles’ priority in life was placing his faith in Christ where he eventually became an Elder at The Old Cutler Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Miami Florida. Charles’ faithfulness to Christ and the love of his flock led the Session to instill on him the title of “Elder Emeritus” on September 12, 2004. He continued to “serve and sing” there for many years to come. He is known by all as being one of the kindest men who ever lived. The family would like to thank the William F. Green State Veteran's Home and AGC Hospice for the outstanding care he received. Additionally, the family is eternally grateful for The Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Fairhope, Alabama and The Old Cutler Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Miami, Florida for their love, prayers and support through these years. Charles is survived by his only son CAPT Jeffrey C. Horton, SC, USN (Ret) and whole host of nieces and nephews who love him dearly. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Beth (most dedicated educator) and daughter-in-law Felicia Manley Horton. He was also preceded in death by his wonderful brother and sister-in-law Dewey and Mary Leona Horton.

A memorial service for Charles will be held at the Old Cutler Presbyterian Church in Miami, Florida on November 7, 2026, at 1PM, followed by an inurnment of both Charles and Mary Beth at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the “PCA Foundation, Inc., 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 103, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, (General Operating Fund).

or Memorial donations to “Mission to the World, P.O. Box 744165, Atlanta, GA 30374-4165, (Benevolence/Where Needed Fund {98101}).