Wilburn “Pete” Horner, Jr., 82 years young, passed away at St Bernards Medical Center in the early morning hours on September 18, 2026, following a short and unexpected illness. leaving behind a legacy of faith, learning, kindness, and unwavering love for his family.

Pete was born in Harrisburg, Arkansas, at Verser Clinic, to Wilburn Horner, Sr. and Pauline Hooper Horner of Bay Village, Arkansas. A lifelong learner and a man of exceptional intelligence, he graduated from Vandale High School in 1962 and immediately continued his education at Arkansas State University. There, he earned his degree in mathematics and computer science, preparing for the calling that would define so much of his life.

Gifted with numbers and mathematics, Pete went on to serve as a mathematics teacher at Bay High School for more than 30 years. His knowledge, patience, and ability to make others think and learn made him not only a respected teacher, but also a mentor to many.

To his students, Pete was more than a teacher—he was a mentor. He had a special way of helping people think, question, and learn. He gladly shared what he knew, and many who sat in his classroom were blessed by his patience, wisdom, and encouragement. His influence reached far beyond the lessons he taught, leaving a lasting mark on countless lives.

On August 24, 1965, Pete married the love of his life and best friend, Roberta Horner, at Bay Village Methodist Church. Together, they built a life founded on love, friendship, faith, and commitment. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary, a beautiful testimony to the devotion they shared through the years.

Following his retirement from teaching, Pete drove courier routes, which gave him the opportunity to travel, enjoy the scenery, and listen to his favorite radio programs with the windows rolled down. He found joy in the simple things: reading, gardening, caring for his cats, riding his bicycle five to seven miles each day when the weather allowed, and raising goats and chickens along the way. He never met a stranger and was always known as a kind, caring, charming, and a friendly gentleman.

Pete was a committed man of God and a lifelong member of Bay Village Methodist Church and Fisher Street Methodist Church. He faithfully cleaned the church so it would be ready for Sunday morning worship. He served as an usher and held many offices on church boards throughout the years. He also served as a board member of Bay Village Cemetery. Though he was a man of few words, his life spoke loudly through his faithfulness, service, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburn Horner, Sr. and Pauline Hooper Horner; his paternal grandparents, Hoyt and Mae Horner; and his maternal grandparents, Edward and Ethel Hooper. Brother-in-law Albert Bert Doss Jr. and sister-in-law Linda Diane Nickel.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 61 years, Roberta Horner; his children, Paul and Jaclyn Horner of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Heather and James Copeland of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Sister-in-law Joyce and (Phil) Brown, Omega and (Larry) Ford, his grandchildren, Lannah and Dylan Karnes, Alex Aspinwall, Makenzie Horner, Langdon Horner, Drew Copeland, Dallas and Lunden Moss; and his precious great-grandchildren, Elley, Lawson, Hartley, Avery, Emerson, and Ruthie.

Pete’s legacy will live on in the family he cherished, the students he taught, the church he served, and the many lives he touched through his quiet strength and gentle spirit. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, respected teacher, faithful servant of God, and a friend to all.

Though he will be deeply missed, those who loved him will carry forward the lessons, love, laughter, and faith he so freely gave.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

— Matthew 25:23