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Thomas “Tommy” Horton, 85, of Elizabethton, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at his home. Tommy was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., to the late Joseph Franklin Horton Sr. and Louise Williams Horton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Diane Henderson Horton.

Tommy was a 1962 graduate of Memphis State where he attended on a golf scholarship and had served in the Army National Guard. Tommy had worked as a golf professional at the Elizabethton Golf Course for 25 years and then worked an additional 20 years at Mountain Glen Golf Course in Newland, N.C. He was a loyal and devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton, where he had served on the Administrative Council, presently serving as treasurer, an usher and was a member of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class.

Tommy had served as president of the Tri City Chapter of the PGA, and was Prep Champion of Tennessee while in Chattanooga. Tommy enjoyed going to the beach every summer with his family.

Survivors include his daughter, Margaret “Meg” Brown and husband Gary of Elizabethton; his brother, Joe F. Horton Jr. of Chattanooga; his nephews, Joe F. Horton III and wife Teresa and their children and grandchildren, all of Chattanooga, and Terry Shawn Horton and wife Kaye, also of Chattanooga; his special friend, Gaye Stanton of Elizabethton; as well as his special furbaby, Cassie.

A service to celebrate the life of Thomas “Tommy” Horton will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at the First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton with Reverend Raymond Amos Sr. and Reverend Dr. Robert Countiss officiating. Music will be under the direction of the Chancel Choir with David Arney, organist, and Susan Heaton, pianist. The family will receive friends at the church between the hours of 12:30 and 2 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Foster, Terry Chappell, Herman Roland, Tony Rowe, Gayle Hood, W.B. “Bill” Greene, Richard Tetrick, and all his golfing buddies over the years. Friends may also call at the home of his daughter at other times. The family respectfully requests that in lieu of food, donations be made to your local food pantry or to the food pantry at First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the fund of their choice at First United Methodist Church of Elizabethton or to the Animal Shelter of your choice in memory of Tommy. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com

Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is honored to serve the Horton family. Office: 423-542-2232; Service Information Line: 423-543-4917.