Colonel Burrell McGee Horton, Sr., USAF (Retired), of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.  He was born on March 24, 1942, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Walter Clarence Horton and Dorothy Irene McGee, both of whom preceded him in death. Burrell lived a full 83 years — a life marked by faith, hope, love, and service.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Chuck Simikian; his son and daughter-in-law, Beau (Burrell Jr.) and Heather Horton; his son and daughter-in-love, Brad Horton and Caroline Hilldale; his grandson, Braden; his granddaughter, Bella; his brothers, Walter Horton, Dr. Robert "Bob" Horton; and lifelong best friend L.M. Welch.

Burrell graduated from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Louisiana Monroe (formerly NLSC).  He later earned a Master of Public Administration from Troy State University.  He began his military career as a Second Lieutenant in 1964 with the United States Air Force and served 30 years and three months.  He completed Air Command and Staff College along with Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama.  His assignments included McCoy AFB (Orlando, FL); Cochem, Germany (guarding live nukes); Eglin AFB (Duke Field), Florida; Barksdale AFB, Louisiana; and Hurlburt Field, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, working alongside Special Forces.  Among his many commendations, he was most honored to receive two Legion of Merit awards while serving at Eglin AFB as Wing Commander.

Burrell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.  He served his church faithfully by teaching Sunday School, driving the church bus for senior ladies, and presiding over the Personnel Committee.  He lived out his Christian faith daily and joyfully served others.  He set an example of faith, hope, love, and service leaving behind a legacy of family members who are all believers and lovers of Jesus Christ. Praise God!  Burrell is now walking the streets of gold that he always talked about, hoped for, and believed.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 29, 2025, at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218. Guests are asked to meet in Lane 2 at the gate between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m. to be escorted.  Colonel Horton will receive full military honors. Cris Garrard, Pastor of The Church of Eleven22, will officiate the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.  A Celebration of Life will follow at Maggiano's Restaurant, 10367 Mid-Town Parkway, Jacksonville, Florida 32246 (St. Johns Town Center).