James Robert Horne Jr. of Marshville, NC passed away on August 3, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born on April 30, 1936 to the late James Robert Horne Sr. and Virgie Bell Austin Horne and was raised in Anson County. Robert was also preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Lowery and Joan Brooks; and his eldest sons, James Robert Horne III and Ronald Robert Horne.

Robert graduated from Peachland High School, where he played basketball and drove a school bus. He later attended North Carolina State University and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Frances Sossoman Horne. If you knew Robert, chances are you have seen the treasured wallet photo he proudly carried of Frances. He never grew tired of pulling it out to show anyone willing to look, and he especially loved telling the story of how they first met at the Wagon Wheel in Marshville. It was a story he told with the same smile and pride, every time.

Robert also leaves behind his loving children: Deborah Horne Cox and husband, Bobby; Randall Roman Horne and wife, Iris; Donna Horne Cohl and husband, Gary; Dianne Horne Wykle and husband, Kevin; and daughter-in-law, Jackie Carpenter Horne, widow of his son, Ronald Robert Horne.

He was a proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Steven Cox (Emily), C.J. Cox (Stacy), Matt Horne (Kaila), Kristen Hendrick (Blair), Lauren Hoogland, Pete Hoogland (Victoria), Randall Horne Jr. (Rachel), Garrett Horne (Carlee), Travis Horne (Madelyn), Heather Johnson (Will), and Samantha, Savannah, and Ryan McDaniel.

He was also blessed with 13 great-grandchildren: Luke and Evie Horne; Heidi and Harrison Hendrick; Tucker, Thomas, and Tanner Horne; Vance, Clayte, and Parks Hoogland; Haydn and Chloe Cox; and Emma Johnson.

Robert took tremendous pride in both his family and his business accomplishments. He was a respected businessman and entrepreneur. In his early years, he owned a Ford dealership before founding Carolina Wood Products and later establishing Horne Enterprise.

He often spoke about how blessed he was, never taking for granted the life he had or the people with whom he shared it. His greatest happiness came from seeing his family together, especially enjoying time at his swimming pool and beach house. One of his favorite questions to ask as a visit came to an end was, "When are you coming back?" He loved to reminisce, tell stories, celebrate the people he loved, and share the blessings of his life with anyone who would listen. His pride in his family was evident in every conversation, and his legacy will live on through them.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held at First Baptist Church of Marshville on Saturday. August 8, 2026, at 4pm. Visitation will be held immediately prior beginning at 3pm. Burial to follow at Peachland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or The Ronald McDonald House.