Samuel Marze Horton
Lt. Col Samuel Marze Horton, USMC, Retired, 86, of Greenville, husband of Eleanor Sowell Horton, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 23, 2022.
Born in Pageland, SC, he was a son of the late George Wister & Elise Marze Horton. Mr. Horton served our country as a United States Marine and retired as a Lt. Colonel after 21 years of service.
Sam was a graduate of Furman University and entered the Marine Corps in 1958. A graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, he served in Japan and Vietnam with the 1st MAW. Some of his personal decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, 23 Strike Flight Air Medals, the Navy Commendation with Combat “V” and the Combat Action Ribbon. Sammy retired from the Marine Corps in 1978. His love for his country was not only reflected in his career choice but was also passed on to his children and grandchildren.
Besides being a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Sam loved sharing his passion for Jesus through the ministry of song. He enthusiastically shared the gospel through singing whenever and wherever he was able. His heart for service was evident in all he did as he served his family, country, and his Heavenly Father.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by their children, Steven Samuel Horton and his wife, Dale, of Cayce, and Lisa Horton Muse and her husband, Russ, of Simpsonville; grandchildren, Nate Muse (Kristen) and Meghan Muse Hammett (Nick) all of Simpsonville; and great-grandchildren, Charley Muse, Audrey Muse, Elise Hammett, and Hazel Hammett.
Sam was preceded in death by his younger brother, William Gregory Horton.
A private Graveside Service will be held for the family.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Saturday, April 9, 2022 beginning at 11:00 am. Click here to view the live stream.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to: Freedom Church, 2131 Woodruff Rd, Suite 2100 #110, Greenville, SC 29607.
We are heartbroken over the loss of a dear friend. We have many fond memories. Sam was a great man that loved God, family, friends and country. Heaven just got a little sweeter. We are praying for Eleanor, Steve, Lisa and all of the family. Tony & Jane
Sam was a gentle giant of faith and a man of great integrity. I am proud to have known him for the past 16 years. I will miss greeting him in the parking lot every Sunday. I recall that often, when he would begin a prayer, he would say “Lord, I just wanna thank ‘ya” in that deep voice of his. I can only imagine what it was like for him to say that directly to his Lord and Savior face-to-face last Sunday! Heaven’s choir has gained a bass and we’ve lost a great man. We’ll see you soon, Sam!
Eleanor and family, so sorry for your loss. Sam was a great man and I have a lot of memories of our times together. Prayers and hugs for you.
Love,
Brenda Sherman
Eleanor and Family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Deepest sympathy and loving long-ago memories.
Lowell and Betty Knight
What an incredible voice! I always loved hearing him sing back in the day at Mt. Zion:). Thank you for your service to this great nation and, most importantly, thank you for being a man of faith!
Love,
Greg Hancock
This lovely little poem in yesterday’s Asheville newspaper seemed to be speaking about Sammy directly: “Each Life is a Song” A life is a song We write in our Own tone and key. Each life we touch Reflects a note That forms the melody. We choose the theme and Chorus of the song To bear our name, and Each will have a Special sound, no two can be the same. So when someone We love departs, In memory we find their Song plays on Within the hearts Of those they Leave behind. (There was no author given). Jeannie and Pat McAfee
Dear Eleanor and all the family. We felt very privileged to know Sam, and we always admired his kind and loving ways, and his faith and strength. He was always a true friend and a great example for every man. We know how much you love him and miss him. I’m glad we’ll soon be together again forever, with the Lord. We love you and share in your sorrow during this time. Charlie and Sabyl
We were blessed to know Sam he was truly a strong man of God. He was a faithful friend. We are praying for strength and peace for Eleanor and all of their family.