Elgin Eugene Horton

Elgin Eugene Horton was born October 20, 1938 in Lenoir, NC to Charlie and Murty Isbell Horton. He attended Lenoir City Schools and graduated from Freedman High in 1956. He worked for Lenoir Chair Plant No. 4. On December 19, 1958 he married Sherry Grimes of Boone, NC. Elgin and Sherry had three daughters: Adrienne Patrice, Sharon Elaine, and Elgina Marie.

Elgin enlisted into the United States Army on November 20, 1961. Upon completing basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC, he became a radio operator and was assigned to the 83rd Engineer Battalion in Ingrandes, France. He completed active duty on November 23, 1964 but remained in the Reserves until November of 1967.

Elgin became a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service in Mooresville, NC, becoming the first African American appointed to this position. He worked several postal routes throughout the Town of Mooresville, making friends everywhere he went. After 30 years of service, he retired from the US Postal Service in 1997. Never one to sit still, Elgin worked as a Custodian at South Elementary School. “Mr. Elgin” enriched the lives of the staff and students at South by showing them encouragement, kindness, and friendship. He was a huge sports fan. He loved the Washington Redskins and his North Carolina Tarheels.

In addition to his parents, Elgin was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry, daughter, Adrienne Patrice, brothers, Charles, Jerry, Ralph, Marvin, Larry, and Garry, a sister, Shirley Horton, and grandson, Justin Harrison Horton.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a sister; Marie Williams of Charlotte; two daughters, Sharon Carpenter of Statesville, and Elgina (Robin) Horton of Efland, NC, a granddaughter, Adrienne (Ty) Parks, fourteen great grandchildren, one great-great grandson, an uncle, Rockford Hatton Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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