Rev. Ralph Shelba Horton was born May 26, 1935, in Swords Creek, Virginia. He was the son of the late Rev. Grat and Chorilda Horton. He went home to glory December, 19th, 2013 being 78 years of age.

Rev. Ralph Horton was the Senior Pastor of the Richlands Tabernacle since 1971. He gave his life to serving his Lord spreading the Gospel to any who would hear. He will be missed by a host of family and friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Elaine Horton Roberts. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Thelma Horton Osborne and one brother, Christopher Aaron "Mack" Horton.

Those who remain to carry on his spirit are:

His loving wife of 58 years, Doris Boyd Horton of Richlands, VA

Daughter, Dana Horton Walls and husband Randall of Richlands, VA

Son-in-law, Rev. Gary Michael Roberts of Cedar Bluff, VA

His sisters:
Mozell Horton Cordle of Richlands, VA
Naomi Horton Ray of Richlands, VA
Patricia Horton Jeanelle and husband Danny of Pounding Mill, VA
Sharon Roberts of Richlands, VA

His brothers:
Don Horton and wife Betty of Richlands, VA
Rev. David Horton and wife Brenda of Cedar Bluff, VA
Rev. James Horton and wife Greta of Richlands, VA
Rev. Phillip Horton and wife Carolyn of Richlands, VA

His five grandchildren:
Rev. Aaron Michael Roberts and wife Regina of Cedar Bluff, VA
Rev. Jonathan Roberts and wife Stephanie of Cedar Bluff, VA
Rev. Benjamin Roberts of Cedar Bluff, VA
Miss. April Walls of Cedar Bluff, VA
Mrs. Aranda Vance and husband James of Lebanon, VA

His nine great-grandchildren:
Kermit Roberts, Rachel Roberts, Abigail Roberts, Daniel Roberts, Jordan Roberts, Autumn Roberts, Ezekiel Roberts, Isaac Roberts and Logan James Ralph Vance.

He is also survived by a host of nephews, nieces, friends and colleagues.

Funeral services for Rev. Ralph Horton will be conducted at the Richlands Tabernacle on Saturday, December 21st, at 1:00 pm with the Rev. Mike Roberts, Rev. Neil Bridges, Rev. Bob Osborne and his grandsons officiating. Entombment will follow at the Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Virginia. Pallbearers will be Rev. Adam Cordle, Rev. Billy Gillespie, Rev. Brett Houston, Rev. Dale Keene, Rev. Steve Kiser, Rev. Tim Lester, Rev. Johnny Rex Ward and Rev. Stuart Cole. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Richlands Tabernacle Church. Friends can call after 5:00 pm on Friday evening at the Richlands Tabernacle in Richlands, Virginia. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.