Wunderful Charles Horton

Wunderful Charles Horton Sr passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born May 20, 1952, in Curtis, Arkansas to Arto Horton and Vennie Jean Williams Mitchell.

Helping others, education and religion were major values in the Horton family. He attended Peake High School and was the first class to integrate Arkadelphia High School full time in 1969/70 enduring multiple challenges. Charles was one of four students who planned the two-week school walkout after black students were refused entry to a party for white students at the Country Club after homecoming in October 1969. With the support of the Black community multiple demands were presented to the Arkadelphia School Board including the retention of the school name of Peake and the buffalo mascot. The family had high standards and often challenged the inequities in the educational system and in the community at large.

He attended Henderson State University and later went to work for Moses Smith Logging Company and Ricky Francis Logging Company for several years. Charles was an entrepreneur who owned and operated The Eight Ball, a well-known establishment that significantly contributed to the landscape of many Black businesses along Pine Street. Although the Eight Ball is no longer in operation, many memories were made and lasting friendships forged.

A constant figure in the congregation, he was a pillar of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, serving faithfully in numerous capacities. His roles included serving as a trustee, a Layman, member of the male chorus, building superintendent, and sound room technician.Outside of his church duties, he was well-known in the community for his skills as a carpenter. His reputation as a skilled craftsman extended throughout the town, and his work can be seen in numerous homes, buildings and the church.

He was a hard worker who made a tremendous impact on the young black men in the community. His dedication and passion for sports were evident as he became the first to organize an interracial softball team. This groundbreaking initiative not only brought people together across racial divides but also provided a sense of unity and camaraderie among the participants. He was instrumental in keeping both men and boys actively involved in various athletic activities, including softball, baseball, and basketball. His efforts ensured that young men had positive outlets for their energy and a place to develop their skills, discipline, and teamwork.

Through his unwavering commitment, he fostered an environment where young black men could thrive, learn, and grow. His influence went beyond the sports field, as he became a mentor and role model, teaching valuable life lessons through the lens of athletics. His legacy is one of unity, perseverance, and the power of sports to bridge divides and uplift communities.

Charles was known as “Big Foot” in earlier years and called “Wunderful”, “Brother Horton” and “Pops” later in life. He loved his grandchildren and was their biggest supporter. He attended every game until his health started to decline.

Wunderful Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Arto Horton and Vennie Jean Williams Mitchell; sisters, Emma Jean Horton, Wheirmelda Horton, Phyllis Horton and daughter, Tanisha Horton.

His love will live in the hearts of his wife, Fannie Horton; daughters, Melanie Horton of Arkadelphia, Anitra Horton of Arkadelphia, and Alethea Horton of Little Rock, and son Wunderful Charles Horton Jr of Arlington, Texas; granddaughters, Arnesha (DequanTalley) of Arkadelphia, Tierra Johnson of Conway, and Devon Bivens of Arkadelphia; great grandsons, Aiden Pickett and Kairo Talley; sisters, Lucretia Hester of Little Rock, AR, Consevella (Vernon) James of little Rock; brothers, Artel (Janice) Horton of Zebulon, NC, James (Alice) Horton of Pine Bluff; special friends, Levi Garland, Ricky “Roach” Ross, Gloria Hart, Veronica “Big V” Moore and Reginald Dickerson. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends and the Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Family.

The Pallbearers will be Vernon E. James, Damon Horton, Keith Horton, Anthony Horton, Ryan Turner, Robert Turner, Art Horton Jr, David Yarbrough, Gary Jones, Byron Johnson and Damien Harris. Honorable to mention are Vernon James Sr. Levi Garland, Veronica “Big V” Moore, Samuel Jones, Ted Jones, Tyson Ross, Reginald Dickerson, Herman Jones, Chuck Davis, Sedrick Moody and Dean Morris.