Tommy Richard Horton

Tommy Richard Horton, at the age of 74, passed peacefully from this life on October 25th, 2022, at his home in Ethel with his wife, Wanda, and daughter, Carla Jo, by his side.

Tommy had a deep love for the outdoors from the time he was a young boy. At the age of 23, he picked up his recurve bow, went into the woods, climbed a tree, and killed the biggest deer of his life. He held the Arkansas non-typical archery state record for over 20 years and received recognition from Pope and Young. Some thought of him as the legend of Ethel, others knew him for duck guiding on the prairie with his well-trained dogs always by his side, having the gift of making people laugh with his jokes, and intriguing many with his well detailed stories. Nothing brought him more joy than handing down his knowledge of the outdoors with younger generations.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mand Susie Horton; brothers Max Horton, Haynes Horton, Floyd Horton, and Boodler Horton; sisters Geraldine Maddox, Nora Watson, and Polly Emmons; son-in-law Harold Wright; and many close friends.

Tommy is survived by his wife Wanda, who together shared 50 years of their lives with one another. He is also survived by one daughter, Carla Jo Wright, who he loved as his own, along with two grandsons Luke and Logan Wright; one brother Jimmy Horton; four sisters Linda Cummings, Judy Depriest, Nancy Posey, and Sue Noble; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were Thursday, October 27th at DeWitt Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home. www.essexfuneralhome.com