1949
Sam
2022
Sam Horton Jr.
November 1, 1949 — March 9, 2022
WILMINGTON - Sam Horton, Jr. passed on peacefully March 9th, 2022, surrounded by love. He was a beloved husband, father, and dog grandpa. He is survived by his “girls”—wife and soulmate, Connie Sue, as well as his daughter Lauren Kyle. He will be sorely missed by the other man in the family, Dudley, who was his 4-pawed BFF and devoted companion. The family mourns the loss of their smart, handsome man with the beautiful smile who made every day more special and fun.
Sam was the 3rd child of Sam Horton, Sr. and Lena “Marie” Horton, with family roots in a holler in Eastern Appalachian Kentucky. He graduated from Fairborn High School in 1967 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business economics from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Sam was drafted for service in Vietnam, but when he finished near the top of his class at Army steno school, he completed his tour at the Pentagon doing administrative work. He was a very hard worker who made his family extremely proud with his 30-year career at General Motors. He retired in upper management as a maintenance superintendent. He and Connie retired to Wilmington, NC and lived at Kure Beach for almost 13 years.
Sam married his soulmate and best friend, then Connie Sue Brown, in 1968 at the young age of 19 in Erlanger, Kentucky. Theirs was a marriage of true companionship lasting over 53 years, and their love certainly transcends death. They met in high school and always relished the simple things together, whether that was sharing a beer, a great conversation, or playing together. They were outstanding party hosts, even hosting weddings and a huge luau at their Centerville, Ohio home. They also shared athletic talents and loved to bowl and play volleyball, racquetball, horseshoes, and cornhole together. One of their favorite experiences was fixing up a 38-foot Morgan sailboat—the yacht would sleep 7 and was a source of pride and years of fun for the couple.
Sam was a devoted father who never sheltered his daughter and lifted her up no matter how high she aspired. From the time Kyle was 5, he volunteered to coach in a then boys-only basketball league so that his daughter would be allowed to play. He made sure she had the perfect sports equipment for every season. He sped from work at the factory to catch every important sports game and even travelled out of state on weekends to watch her play. Whether it was fishing tournaments, parent–child bowling, or shooting a game of H-O-R-S-E in the dark, Sam never missed an opportunity to show his love and support.
Sam was incredibly smart with an aptitude both for trivia and the New York Times crossword puzzles. With his then 4-year-old daughter Kyle pushing the numbered buttons, he bragged about ranking 1st nationwide in 1960s trivia. Years later, he and Kyle were accomplished players of Buzztime bar trivia and ascended to the top ranking nationally several times by earning perfect scores against thousands of players in the US and Canada.
The family will miss their hero, a true patriarch who was strong and good at almost everything. His beautiful spirit transcends this life, and he will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him for his kindness and quiet confidence. Sam could even touch those he only knew casually enjoying a beer, a sports game, or some classic rock together. In keeping with his zest for life, the family will host a private celebration of life at Sea Witch Tiki Bar in Carolina Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by mail to On Your Side Health in support of his daughter’s nonprofit work in healthcare, environmental, and Veterans’ advocacy.
On Your Side Health
P.O. Box 16174
Wilmington, NC 28408
https://www.onyoursidehealth.org/
Aquamation services provided by Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation. www.waternotfire.com
Sam was the 3rd child of Sam Horton, Sr. and Lena “Marie” Horton, with family roots in a holler in Eastern Appalachian Kentucky. He graduated from Fairborn High School in 1967 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business economics from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Sam was drafted for service in Vietnam, but when he finished near the top of his class at Army steno school, he completed his tour at the Pentagon doing administrative work. He was a very hard worker who made his family extremely proud with his 30-year career at General Motors. He retired in upper management as a maintenance superintendent. He and Connie retired to Wilmington, NC and lived at Kure Beach for almost 13 years.
Sam married his soulmate and best friend, then Connie Sue Brown, in 1968 at the young age of 19 in Erlanger, Kentucky. Theirs was a marriage of true companionship lasting over 53 years, and their love certainly transcends death. They met in high school and always relished the simple things together, whether that was sharing a beer, a great conversation, or playing together. They were outstanding party hosts, even hosting weddings and a huge luau at their Centerville, Ohio home. They also shared athletic talents and loved to bowl and play volleyball, racquetball, horseshoes, and cornhole together. One of their favorite experiences was fixing up a 38-foot Morgan sailboat—the yacht would sleep 7 and was a source of pride and years of fun for the couple.
Sam was a devoted father who never sheltered his daughter and lifted her up no matter how high she aspired. From the time Kyle was 5, he volunteered to coach in a then boys-only basketball league so that his daughter would be allowed to play. He made sure she had the perfect sports equipment for every season. He sped from work at the factory to catch every important sports game and even travelled out of state on weekends to watch her play. Whether it was fishing tournaments, parent–child bowling, or shooting a game of H-O-R-S-E in the dark, Sam never missed an opportunity to show his love and support.
Sam was incredibly smart with an aptitude both for trivia and the New York Times crossword puzzles. With his then 4-year-old daughter Kyle pushing the numbered buttons, he bragged about ranking 1st nationwide in 1960s trivia. Years later, he and Kyle were accomplished players of Buzztime bar trivia and ascended to the top ranking nationally several times by earning perfect scores against thousands of players in the US and Canada.
The family will miss their hero, a true patriarch who was strong and good at almost everything. His beautiful spirit transcends this life, and he will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him for his kindness and quiet confidence. Sam could even touch those he only knew casually enjoying a beer, a sports game, or some classic rock together. In keeping with his zest for life, the family will host a private celebration of life at Sea Witch Tiki Bar in Carolina Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by mail to On Your Side Health in support of his daughter’s nonprofit work in healthcare, environmental, and Veterans’ advocacy.
On Your Side Health
P.O. Box 16174
Wilmington, NC 28408
https://www.onyoursidehealth.org/
Aquamation services provided by Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation. www.waternotfire.com
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