Willus M. Horne

Willus M. Horne, born on June 11, 1932, died Monday, May 25, 2015 at his home in Laurel. He was preceded in death by parents Jacob L. Horne and Sarah Wilcher Horne. He is survived by his wife Bettie Fay Horne; four children, daughter Martha Lynn Thompson, son Willus Mark Horne (Danita), daughter Gladys Ann Bautista (Pons), and daughter Bettie Joy Naman (Michael); grandchildren, Christopher Thompson, Tyler Thompson, Kiser Horne, Sabine Horne, Fletcher Horne, Andrew Gordy, Mathew Gordy, Paul Bautista, Monique Bautista, Alexandria Berry, Julia Berry, Jacob Berry, and Cecilia Naman; brother Rev. Raymond L. Horne; sister Christine Horne Mangrum; and a host of nieces and nephews. Willus was born and lived in Jones County his entire life where he was a longtime business owner and cattle & timber farmer. He was involved with local 4-H programs from a young age and began winning state, local, and national accolades beginning in 1942. In 1949 Willus earned a 4-H leadership trip to Washington D.C. where he met President Harry Truman in the Rose Garden. From 1950 - 1954 he held many 4-H offices including MS4-H Club President two years running. He served as president of his sophomore class of 1951- 1952 at Jones County Junior College where he earned an associate degree. He graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree from his beloved Mississippi State's school of Agriculture. From 1954 until 1956 Mr. Horne served in the U.S. Army in Wiesbaden West Germany with the Medical Corps, where he received the Good Conduct Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. After returning home he worked from 1957-1960 with the U.S. Department of Agriculture State Conservation Service and ran for Circuit Clerk of Jones County in 1959. Willus married Bettie Fay Farmer on January 17, 1959. They enjoyed 56 wonderful years together. He joined in partnership with his father in the daily operations of Horne Nursery in 1960 where he served as president and general manager for over 50 years. Over his career in agriculture, Mr. Horne received several special appointments. In 1968 he was appointed to a four year term with the MS Board of Animal Health. He served as President of the MS Nursery Men's Association from 1974 - 1976. In 1982 Mr. Horne was invited by the US Secretary of Agriculture to serve a two year term on the National Arboretum Advisory Council. Willus enjoyed working and managing his cattle and timber land and participating in many local civic organizations. He was a lifelong member of First Church of God in Laurel, MS, serving as chairman of the board and teaching Sunday School. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, MS. Thursday, May 28 there will be a brief visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. with services at 10:30 a.m. at First Church of God in Laurel. Pallbearers are Christopher Thompson, Tyler Thompson, Kiser Horne, Andrew Gordy, Mathew Gordy, Pons Bautista, Michael Naman, and Wayne Windham. Honorary pallbearers will be Fletcher Horne, Paul Bautista, and Jake Berry. In lieu of flowers please make donations to First Church of God in Laurel or Kairos Prison Ministry.

Willus M. Horne

June 11, 1932 - May 25, 2015