Joseph Arno Horton

Joseph Arno Horton, age 90, of Johnson City, died on Monday, February 23, 2015. A native of Horton AL, he served in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946. After Mary Frances Love graduated from U of Alabama, they married in 1945. With his 1948 Electrical Engineering degree from Auburn University, he joined TVA and was transferred to Johnson City in 1950, where he worked until his retirement in 1985, ending as the Assistant Area Superintendent in the Power Systems Operations Division. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Johnson City where he taught an elementary age Sunday School class for many years and served as the leader of Boy Scout Troop 36. He enjoyed his mineral collecting hobby, extensive RV travel including a road trip to Alaska with his wife and grandson Lucas, and appeared to enjoy helping both his sons build their homes. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years and his parents, Thomas Scott Horton and Fannie Medlock Horton of Horton, Alabama. Survivors include: 2 sisters and spouses, Martha Merle Teal of Huntsville, AL, and Kathleen Mealor of Smyra, GA; three children and spouses, Joe Horton and wife Linda of Oak Ridge, TN, Gail Hempley and husband Roy of Fredericksburg, VA, and Mark Horton and wife Linda of Elizabethton, TN; seven grandchildren: Derek Horton and wife Emily Hedrick of Alexandria, VA, Leanna Reardon and husband Cody of Greenville, SC, Scott Horton of Newark, DE, David Horton of Greenwood SC, Laura Horton of Cookeville, TN, Lucas Hempley and wife, Thanh, of Carrollton, VA, and Caprice Austin and husband Tim, of Fredericksburg, VA; and four great grandchildren: Raina and Seth Hempley, Malia Reardon, and Casiah Austin. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the 'Hands on Museum of Johnson City'? is suggested. A graveside service at Monte Vista Cemetery will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, Mar 14, 2015, with the Rev. Jane Taylor leading. Minister, family and friends are requested to meet at the cemetery by 2:20 PM Saturday.