Walter Ellnor Horton went home to be with the Lord on August 26, 2018.  Ellnor was born on November 1, 1917, on a farm in Whaleyville, VA, the son of Walter Henry Horton and Hattie Louise Gomer.  In 1945, he married Catherine Virginia Jones who was the love of his life for 54 years until she passed away in 2001.

Ellnor worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard for nearly 40 years as a Shipfitter and Apprentice School Instructor.  He and Virginia married at First Baptist Church, where Ellnor served for 72 years in various servant-leader roles as a Sunday School Teacher, Usher, and Life Deacon.

After retirement, Ellnor remained an active part of the community.  He discovered golf at age 65 and became an avid player.  He was also the oldest active member of the Suffolk YMCA, the oldest volunteer with Suffolk's Meals on Wheels, and a champion of Senior Bingo at Chick-fil-A. At age 99, Ellnor became a local "Rock Star" and presence on Facebook as an enthusiastic supporter of the "Suffolk Rocks" movement.

In recent years, Ellnor spent countless hours walking the shady trails of Lake Meade Park enjoying nature and the outdoors.  Besides a daily walk, Ellnor enjoyed eating and snacking and ended every day with a bowl of Breyer's chocolate ice cream and Oreo cookies which he said contributed to his longevity!

For over 50 years, the Hortons have gathered together at their cottage near the Chesapeake Bay.  There they've made forever memories of cook-outs, July 4 ^th parades, fireworks, and days of endless fun in the sun with family and friends.  They've been equally blessed with a small community of lifelong friends involving six families and four generations of memories and experiences shared together.

Last November, Ellnor celebrated his 100 ^th birthday with family and more than 200 friends.  The event included "Ellnor's Story" and his downhome formula for living a long and healthy life, including good food, rich fellowship, and some dancing.  At the special celebration, the City of Suffolk awarded him a Certificate of Recognition honoring his community service.  He also received a Commendation from the Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Del. S. Chris Jones recognizing his 100 ^th birthday.

Ellnor lived his life to the fullest with a deep faith in God, as well as love and devotion to his family and friends.  His kind, humble ways, his endearing smile, and his compassionate heart inspired all who knew him.  He was truly "a man after God's own heart" and his was a life well-lived.

Ellnor is survived by his children, Trudy Horton Cuthrell, Eleanor Horton Willits (Richard), and James Walter Horton; grandchildren, Jenny Louise Cuthrell, Joseph Donald Cuthrell, Jr. (Liana Biscotti), Mallory Horton Holley (Richard), Taylor Horton Bollig (Chase), James Walter Horton, Jr. (Becky Bishop); and great-grandson, Lucas Holmes.  He is also survived by his brother, Elliott Horton, 94, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special "Thank You" to Cheryl Pisani and other caregivers of Home Instead Senior Care.  Cheryl was Ellnor's traveling guide and companion around town and in various activities supporting his active life-style up until the last week of his amazing life.

A Celebration of Life Service, officiated by Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr., will be held Saturday, September 1, 2018, at First Baptist Church with visitation at 1:00 p.m. and service at 2:30 p.m. followed by a brief reception in the Family Life Center.  Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church Missions Ministry, 237 N. Main St., Suffolk, VA 23434.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.