Elmer Lee Horne, Jr.

Elmer Lee Horne Jr. took his last morning walk with his best friend Cody, his Bichon Frise, on Thursday, December 21, 2023, Lee, his wife Gwen, sister Doris Pruitt and of course, Cody, were headed to his hometown of Wilson, NC for a holiday visit with his brother Hadie Horne. The Lord had other plans and Lee passed peacefully at his home before leaving that morning.

Elmer Lee Horne Jr, the eldest son of Annie-Pearl Cook Horne and Elmer Lee Horne Sr, was born at home on Clark Avenue in Wilson North Carolina on October 2nd,1943. In October of this year Lee (defying many doctors and several coronary stents) celebrated his 80th birthday with his wife, Gwendolyn Horne, daughters Michele Wilson (Eric) and Karyn Knoke (Bert), step-son Chris DuPre (Tiffany), sister Doris Pruitt (nieces Katherine and Jennifer), brother Hadie Horne, nine grandchildren (Samantha, Will, Jordan, Zandy, Lindsay, Alyssa, Natalie, Ali and Sophia), and two great-granddaughters (Emslee and Madelyn). His sister, Patricia Smith, was present in spirit represented by her three children (Clark, Courtney and Paige). Several wonderful neighbors and friends joined the celebration as well.

Lee enjoyed a lengthy career in computer software sales, making friends in all 100 North Carolina counties and several of the 50 states. Lee’s love of sports began in childhood. He did not discriminate. Baseball, football, running, golf and tennis, his all-time favorite. Lee spent many weekends playing tennis tournaments. Occasionally, he even scheduled to play in two tournaments, in two different places on the same date. A lifetime member of the Raleigh Racquet Club, Lee did not stop playing tennis until he was seventy-nine.

Elmer Lee exemplified kindness and was a friend to everyone. The greatest gift that he left his family and friends was the model of how to treat all people. Lee will be deeply missed by his wife, the family that cherished him, the neighbors that greeted him on his morning walks, local eating establishments, greeters at Costco, the pharmacist at Harris Teeter and……well you get the picture. Elmer Lee, “your husband”, “your Dad”, “your Pop Pop”, “your brother” and a friend to all, would want us to honor his memory by making sure all kids get to make Disney memories, NCSU gets respect, win or lose, and Peanut M&M’s and a Diet Coke become a household staple.

A memorial service will be held honoring Elmer’s life on Saturday, January 27 at 11:00 am at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson, NC.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, January 27 from 10:00 am until 10:45 am at Joyner's Funeral Home.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.