Chase Adams Horton, Sr., 87, of Lewisburg passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Maury Regional Hospital, Columbia, Tenn. He was a native Marshall County but was born in Nashville at Vanderbilt Hospital on Dec. 24, 1935. He was the son of John Wilhoite Horton and Josephine Adams Horton, and the grandson of Governor Henry H. Horton.
Chase graduated from Forrest High School in Chapel Hill. During his junior year he attended a big band concert held at Marshall County High. All county high school students were invited and a girl was there from Cornersville who definitely caught his eye. His story was that he went home that day and told his mother that he had seen the girl he was going to marry. She was Janette Harwell, a junior at Cornersville. And marry her he did! After Chase graduated from MTSU and Janette from Peabody, their wedding was in July, 1958. They lived together for over 66 years. Their first home was “the river house” on his parent’s farmland and Chase worked at Wilhoite Mill and planted and worked acres and acres of corn and grains. He loved this second season of his life- being married to his soulmate, Janette, and working in the fields. Janette loved teaching at McCord School in Lewisburg. But, in Dec. 1959 he made the decision to go to Third National Bank in Nashville. They moved and he began his banking career which lasted until retirement from Suntrust Bank as a Senior Vice-President. During his time with the bank he served in broader circles. He was National Vice-President, then President of SESTA and presided and hosted the yearly meeting at Opryland. He worked closely with other banks throughout the southeast, especially. He was trusted in positions requiring quick, but level-headed decisions being made.
Chase’s personality was that of a peacemaker. Active in the community, he was in the National Guard, a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scout leader for his sons at Ensworth and Oak Hill, and served as a deacon, trustee and Bible teacher during his years at Woodmont Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Lewisburg. After 40 years in Franklin and Nashville, Janette and Chase came back to Lewisburg. Chase bought the house his grandfather, Chase Adams, had built in the 1890’s. His mother, “Miss Josephine” was born in the front room and would live with them and entertain them with stories about the Adams House. Chase’s friend and loved ones will miss him dearly and his memory will ever be cherished.
Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 66 years, Janette Horton; devoted sons and daughters-in-law, Chase Adams Horton, Jr., John Wilhoite (Tylena) Horton, Riggs Harwell (Karen) Horton; three grandchildren, Josephine Horton, Trista Horton and Riggs Horton.
The family will be at the Henry Horton Park Lodge, Conference Room CD for visitation on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 10 until 10:45 a.m. A Memorial Service will follow at 11 a.m. with Dr. Tom Dumser officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Lewisburg.
Special thanks for the loving care of the nurses and staff at Oakwood and the staff at Horton Park.
Lawrence Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Chapel Hill in charge of arrangements. (931) 364-2233 www.lawrencefuneral.net
