Preston Horne

James Preston Horne Senior was born to Nixon Horne and Blanche Plummer on November 20, 1926, in Blytheville, Arkansas.  He was the third of nine children. He attended Blytheville Elementary school. As a young man, age 17, Preston worked as a cook on the army base in Florida during World War II but was not insisted.

Preston married Mary Lee Simmons in 1965 after moving from Caruthersville Missouri to Benton Harbor, Michigan. To this union were born nine children.

Preston worked many years at Auto Specialties in Benton Harbor, Michigan. After retiring, he pursued his dream of entrepreneurship and opened up Horne's Candy Store. For several years he served the community with goods from the store and trained his children in the family business. In his spare time, he scrapped metal and enjoyed fishing. Anyone who knew Preston knew he could hold a conversation for hours on end. He had a sharp memory and could remember intricate details that others may have long forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nixon and Blanche Horne, four sisters, Nellie Horne, Flora Mae, Evelyn Horne, and Nina and three brothers, Plummer, Jeremiah, and Nixon Horne Jr. 

He was also preceded in death by his wife Mary Lee Horne, daughters Easter Marie, Blanche Mae, and stepdaughter Ora lee Dillon, and stepsons: Willie Ivory Simmons and David Simmons.

Preston Sr. Leaves to celebrate his life; sons Justie (Claire) Horne of St. Paul MN, Rev. Carl (Twonia) Horne of Benton Harbor, MI., Preston Jr. (Lori) Horne of Atlanta, GA., Joseph Horne of Fortworth, TX, Tonny Horne and stepson Otis Simmons of Benton Harbor, MI. Daughters include Marsha Itivah Houston TX, Nellie (Anthony) Mitchell of Dallas, TX, and stepdaughter Yvonne Conway of Chicago IL. He also leaves a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves to cherish his life baby brother Richard Horne of Atlanta, GA., and a special cousin Melvin Horne.

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