John Allen Horton

John Allen Horton

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, John Allen Horton, 96, passed away at home surrounded by his family. A native of Polk County, NC, he was born November 18, 1929, to the late Walter Clingman Horton and Nancy Jane Pruitt Horton, the 11th child of 13 children in a hand-hewn farmhouse on 100+ acres fronting Red Fox Road in Tryon, NC, he would always describe as a “wonderful life”.

John left the farm at the age of 16 for Detroit, MI, like many of his generation, and worked at Ford Motor company for a few years. Returning home to marry the girl-next-door, the love of his life, Margaret Lou McIntyre in April 1951. They settled in Landrum where they raised two daughters and were married for 72 years. Margaret passed away in August 2023.

John joined the army during the Korean war and worked as a mechanic and was very involved in church missions in Germany, and toured Europe. Upon completion of his military tour he attended Spartanburg Technical college, becoming a journeyman machinist and specializing in tool and die. He worked at Butte Knit in Spartanburg for 20 plus years and retired at the age of 65 from SC Elastic in Landrum. After retirement John and Margaret raised two grandsons who were their pride and joy.

John was minister of music and youth Sunday school teacher at Peniel Baptist church, and later was deacon and loyal choir member at Landrum First Baptist church. His honey-toned clear tenor voice was much sought after for weddings, funerals and revivals. He was a self-taught musician, playing the acoustic guitar and mandolin, an avid photographer. He also enjoyed restoring Volkswagens in his garage when he was not building a pontoon boat or kayak so he could enjoy his favorite outdoor sport bass fishing.

He is survived by his two daughters, Renetta Horton – Greene (Jim) of Landrum SC, and Sandra Bryson (Tim) of Fair Play SC; and four grandchildren, Jay Greene (Dana) of Cummings GA, Alex Greene of Landrum SC, Haley (Nate) Whitaker of Greenville SC and Mathew Bryson of Butte MT; and two great grandchildren Iris and Leeland Whitaker; and one sister-in-law Barbara Hamilton Horton of Anderson SC, and many nieces and nephews.

John is predeceased by his wife, parents, and five sisters, Ruth Belue, Monie Jackson, Annie Lee Whiteside, Lucille Durham, Gladys Hutcherson, and seven brothers Israel, Glenn, Harley, James, Delmar, Dean, Joe, and precious grandson Jonathon Greene passed away January 2026, we will hold you each day in our hearts, we miss you so much.

The family would like to thank Interim Hospice Healthcare of the Upstate, Kimberly RN, and Tish, AID. The Veterans assistance through “Always Caring” home health, Virena, AID (Anderson) and Kazia, AID (Spartanburg) for their caring and attention at the homes.

The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be planned later this year.

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