HORNER Major Jack Donald Horner (Retired) went home to his Lord and Savior on March 31, 2012 after a brief illness. Born Aug. 11, 1931 in Birmingham, AL, Jack was a true West Point officer and a gentleman and was loved by his family and friends. He was an avid fan of Auburn University and attended many football games over the years at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The son on Robert William Horner and Bela Elza Cameron, Jack spent his youth in Birmingham, Atlanta, Auburn, AL, and West Point, NY. He especially enjoyed summers with cousins, brothers and friends at the Cameron family ancestral home in Notasulga, AL. Upon graduation from High School in 1948, Jack attended Auburn University and became a life-long member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. In 1950, Jack received a Congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. After four years he graduated 16th in a class of 634 and was commissioned as a pilot in the United States Air Force. In 1961 he received his master's degree in electrical engineering through the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB. During his service to our country, Jack served in the Philippines during the Vietnam conflict as a C-130 pilot. Among various assignments, he also captained B-47 flight missions for the Strategic Air Command. Upon retirement from the Air Force in 1974, Jack relocated to Jacksonville, FL and began a second career with the City of Jacksonville. To enhance his abilities to serve the City, he went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of North Florida in 1976. He ended his work life in the late 1980's and embarked on a journey of retirement. In addition to his active pursuit of watching Auburn win sporting events, Jack enjoyed league tennis and interaction with his playing partners at Big Tree Tennis Club and subsequently the Williams Family YMCA in Mandarin. He found a Jesus-centered home at Mandarin Presbyterian Church. His collegial memberships included the B-47 Stratojet Association, the Air Force Association, the West Point Association of Graduates and the Military Officers Association. He is survived by his brother Duke Cameron Horner (wife Sherry) of Ponte Vedra Beach; his three children: Robert Lance Horner of Flower Mound, TX; Jack Donald Horner, Jr. of Jacksonville; and Dawn Cameron Horner of Pikesville, MD; three grandchildren; five nephews: Rev. Dr. Robert Horner, Jr., Glenn Horner, Gary Horner, Rick Horner and Steve Horner; multiple great nephews and nieces. He was especially close to and will be particularly missed by great nephew Cameron Horner and great niece Auburn Horner. Jack was predeceased by his brother Robert William Horner, Jr., son Guy Matthew Horner and nephew Cameron Robert Horner. A graveside Memorial Service will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 1:30 PM. The Rev. Dr. Robert Horner will preside over the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in remembrance of Jack to the Williams Family YMCA, 10415 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Arrangements entrusted to Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach, FL. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com
Published in the Florida Times-Union on April 8, 2012