WINTON – Edward Lee Horton, 81, of 201 West Mulberry Street, Winton, died Sunday, July 8, 2012 in Brian Center Health & Rehabilitation, Windsor, NC.

Mr. Horton was born in Gates County and was the son of the late Oscar Lee Horton and Cora Lee Lassiter Horton Twine.

A retired foreman in the shipping department with Georgia Pacific in Ahoskie, he was a member, deacon, and former Sunday school teacher at Winton Baptist Church; had served as a messenger with the West Chowan Baptist Association; had served in Haiti with the NC Baptist Men’s Mission Team; and was a volunteer with both The American Red Cross and the Meals On Wheels Program.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 47 years, Joyce Phelps Horton, and by his sister, Elizabeth H. Rountree.

Surviving are his loving daughters, Susan Horton James and husband, Bobby, of Mt. Olive, Sandra Horton Newsome and husband, Tim, of Winton, and Sharon Horton Conner and husband, Marty, of Huntsville, AL; his five adoring grandsons, Bryce and wife Amy, Tim and fiancé Maggie, Taylor, Evan, and Garrett; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Langdale of Kinston and Mary Ann Phelps of Southport, NC; and four nieces, Ellen Riddick, Marie Miller, Linda Cox and Ann Wilson.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. in Winton Baptist Church by the Rev. Joseph Futrell. A private interment will follow in the church cemetery with Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, handling arrangements.

Beginning Wednesday afternoon, friends may call on the family at his residence.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.