News Summary
William ‘Custer’ Horton, a beloved former athlete and community figure from Dyersburg, passed away at 64. Known for his faith, family values, and contributions both on and off the field, Custer’s legacy will be honored by family and friends as they reflect on the impact he had on their lives.
Nashville, TN – William “Custer” Horton, a beloved former athlete from Dyersburg and a devoted family man, passed away at the age of 64 on Friday, June 13, 2025. His death occurred at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McCreight Funeral Home, where family and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories at www.mccreightfuneralhome.com.
Custer Horton was born on November 9, 1960, in Dyersburg, TN. He grew up in a Christian household, primarily raised by his grandmother, Mrs. Estelle Horton. Early on, Custer accepted Christ and became an active member of Salter’s Chapel AME Church, demonstrating his commitment to his faith and community.
In 1998, he married Tabitha Harris, and the couple welcomed two sons together. The family later moved to Nashville, TN, where Custer became a member of Temple Church under the leadership of Bishop Micheal Lee Graves, further deepening his ties to his community.
Education and Athletic Accomplishments
Custer received his education from the Dyersburg City School System, where he showcased his talents in both football and track. At Dyersburg High School, he earned several accolades, including All-State, All-West Tennessee, and All-District honors as a linebacker and running back. His exceptional skills on the field earned him recognition as Who’s Who in Athletics, alongside the title of Defensive Player of the Year and team captain during his senior year. Custer set a remarkable record as the all-time leading defensive football tackler at Dyersburg High School, highlighting his impact on the game.
College and Professional Aspirations
After high school, Custer continued his athletic pursuits at Tennessee State University in Nashville. He played football for four years under the guidance of Coach John Merritt and Coach William Bill Thomas. His performance did not go unnoticed, as he was scouted by NFL teams, including the New York Jets, for his impressive speed, coverage abilities, and tackling skills.
Career and Contributions
Beyond his football career, Custer found success in construction and developed a thriving passion for lawn care services. He built long-lasting relationships with customers, demonstrating pride in the lawns he maintained and the positive impact he had on the lives of his neighbors, classmates, and friends. His dedication to his work exemplified his character and commitment to community service.
Legacy and Remembrance
The legacy of William “Custer” Horton extends beyond his athletic achievements. He will be remembered not only as a talented athlete but also as a loving husband, father, and pillar of his community. Custer’s life reflects the values of faith, family, and hard work, traits that shaped his journey and influenced those around him.
As family and friends come together to honor his memory, they celebrate Custer’s contributions both on and off the field, ensuring that his legacy lives on through the lives he touched.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Tennessee Tribune
- The Tennessean
- Terrell Broady Funeral Home
- PennLive
- Nashville Banner
- Wikipedia: William Horton
- Google Search: William Custer Horton
- Google Scholar: Custer Horton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Custer Horton
- Google News: Custer Horton
Author: HERE Nashville
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