Obituary: Edward Earl “Eddie” Horton, Jr.
Mr. Edward Earl “Eddie” Horton, Jr., age 79, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, August 5, 2026, at his home in Kinston, surrounded by his loving wife and only child. His passing followed a brief, courageous battle with metastatic melanoma cancer.
A native of Wayne County, Eddie was born on September 26, 1946, to the late Edward Earl Horton, Sr. and Winnie Moore Horton. He was blessed with an exceptionally outgoing demeanor and vibrant personality. To say he was a "people person" is an understatement; he truly never met a stranger. Alongside his beloved wife, Cookie, Eddie embraced life's adventures, and together they traveled all over the world.
Eddie proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force. Following his military service, his personable manner served him well during his long career as a Distributor for Lance Cookies.
Upon his retirement in 2010, Eddie missed daily interactions with his community so much that he took a part-time position with Piggly Wiggly. He quickly became a beloved fixture to countless customers, dedicating his time there until just a few weeks prior to his passing.
To call Eddie an avid golfer would be an understatement. He deeply loved the game of golf, his golf friends, and the Falling Creek Country Club, where he proudly maintained a membership since 1970. He cherished every friendship made on the greens where he was dubbed “Steady Eddie” and truly valued the time spent with those friends off the course.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Christine, and his twin brother, Dicky.
His surviving family includes his beloved wife of 58 years, Cookie Horton; his only child and precious daughter, Missy Horton Pelds and her husband, Ted of Gulfport, Florida; a sister, Winnie “Boots” Swens of Bossier, Louisiana; and several extended members of the Horton and Cook families. Additionally, he leaves behind the aforementioned golf friends made through his many years on the course.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM Saturday, August 8th, at the Chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service with Elder John Morgan officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service and other times at the residence.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.taylor-tyson.com
