of Marshall, AR

April 17, 1940 - October 7, 2022

Willis Dale Horton, age 82 of Marshall, Arkansas entered into his eternal resting place on Friday, October 7th, 2022 at Washington Regional in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born in Zack, Arkansas on April 17th, 1940 to Roy Sylvester Horton and Alice Williams Horton.

Willis Horton was a 1957 graduate of Marshall High School. He worked at Roy Horton Chevrolet after graduating. He served as the youngest Searcy County Judge between 1964-1974. Willis owned and operated Gene's Automotive Parts Store. He then went on to work for his nephew's family business, DR Horton Homes. Upon retirement he returned to his home in Marshall to resume his cattle ranching. The second love of his life, behind his wife Glenda of 64 years, was horse racing. He quickly ascended to the highest levels of this sport. He championed one Kentucky Oaks winner, three Kentucky Derby contenders, two Eclipse Award champions and two Kentucky stallions. Willis was known and loved the world over throughout the horse racing community. Born of four brothers and one sister, he was a devoted family man.

Survivors include his wife, Glenda Holsted Horton of the home; one son, Kevin Horton and wife, Laurie of Marshall; granddaughters, Tressa de Miranda and husband, Ben of Fayetteville, Brandi Horton and fiance, Grant of Little Rock and Courtney Matyja and husband, Shay of Vilonia; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Dale de Miranda, Emma Pearl de Miranda, Noah Matyja and Chloey Matyja; brother, Leon Horton and wife, Violet of Clarksville, Texas and sister-in-law, Wilma Horton of Morrilton.

Willis is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Alice Horton; sons, Mark Cam Horton and Crandall Dale Horton and siblings, T.J. Horton, Kathleen Horton Sanders, Eugene Roy Horton and Eutaw Winford Horton.

Funeral services for Willis Dale will be 3:00 PM Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Don Campbell and Bro. Shirl Williams officiating. Visitation will be 12:00 till 2:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery. Bearers will be Case Clay, Adam Redman, Jack Manes, Joe Carl Sullivan, Grant Troillet and Ben de Miranda. Honorary bearers will be D.L. Adams, James Hubbard, Leroy Sullins, Terry Gage and Gail Matthews.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Coffman Funeral Home
923 Highway 65 North
Marshall, AR  72650
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com