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Kenneth Douglas Horne, 86, of Green Creek, NC, passed away peacefully at his home Friday evening, July 3, 2020, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

A lifelong resident of Polk County, NC, he was born on October 12, 1933, the son of the late Ernest Ladson and Hattie Sims Horne and was the devoted husband of Hazel Jackson Horne for 67 years.

Kenneth retired from Spartanburg Steel Products (Firestone) after 37 years of service and was a faithful member of Mill Creek Church of the Brethren, Green Creek, NC.

A loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather (Papa), great grandfather and a friend to many; he was an honest, hardworking, caring and selfless family man who put family first. He was always there to help with any project no matter how difficult (the more challenging the better). He loved gardening, working in his barn, being on his tractor, exploring trade days and flea markets and finding great breakfast spots with his wife.

He loved Ford vehicles, homemade ice cream, UNC basketball and the old creek at the Horne homeplace. He enjoyed sharing stories and the family loved hearing them. His joy for life took immense priority over what some might consider age limitations. He never missed an opportunity to embrace his own youthful energy, an example he set for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (making sure they knew how to shoot a gun, drive a tractor, turn a flip in a pool beyond 75 years old and grow vegetables). He grew his garden in the same manner he nurtured his family. One thing is certain, Papa taught us all how to enjoy life and be grateful for one another.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Hazel, are son, Keith Horne (Patricia) of Inman, SC; daughter, Sherry Horne Page (David) of Green Creek, NC; son-in-law, Keith Crain of Linville Falls, NC; six grandchildren, Kelli Horne Wilson (Brandon) of Boone, NC; Dr. Holly Crain Hanes (David) of Lewisville, NC; Keith Crain II of Linville, NC; Christopher Page (Rhesa Rogers) of Winston-Salem, NC; Matthew Page (Cassidy) and Daniel Page (Elianna) of Green Creek, NC; Seven great-grandchildren, Madison Wilson, Sienna-Rose Wilson, Haley, Hannah and Kyle Hanes; Malin Rogers and Cameron Page; one sister, Betty Horne Bailey (Norris) of Rutherfordton, NC and one special lifelong friend Junior (Tom) Greenway of Green Creek, NC.

In adition to his parents, he was predeceased by his loving daughter, Dr. Phyllis Horne Crain; two sisters, Mildred H. Silvers and Margie Horne; five brothers, Howard, Homer, Vernon, Arnold and Laddie Horne.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m, Saturday, July 11, 2020, at Mill Creek Church of the Brethren in Green Creek, NC conducted by Reverends Steve Hardin and Stephen Abe. The burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Kenneth and Hazel Horne Scholarship fund at the Crossnore School, Post Office Box 249 Crossnore, NC 28616 or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 374 Hudlow Road, Forest City, NC 28043.

The family would like to thank the wonderful physicians, Dr. Michael Humeniuk and Dr. Drew Monitto, at Gibbs Cancer Center for their compassionate care. Additionally, we want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and his special nurse, Johnna Searcy.

Due to COVID-19, social distancing and personal protective equipment guidelines will be observed.

Condolences to the family can be made to www.sandersfuneralandcremation.com

Sanders Funeral Home of Columbus, NC.