Marvin Vale Horton Jr., an accomplished attorney, businessman, and passionate advocate for the environment, passed away peacefully at his home in Tarboro, N.C. on December 14, 2024, at the age of 96.

A lifelong resident of eastern North Carolina, Marvin was recognized by the North Carolina Bar Association for his pro bono work in identifying and successfully addressing environmental and economic threats to Edgecombe County. His efforts left an enduring impact on the community, one he deeply cherished and fought to protect – a cause central to his life's work.

Born on April 13, 1928, in Farmville, N.C., Marvin was the only child of Marvin Vale Horton Sr., a farmer, businessman, and World War I veteran, and Sallie Ruth Chappell, a Greensboro Women's College graduate from Edenton, N.C. The bells of Farmville rang in his honor the day he was born, setting the tone for a man who would command any room he entered with his warmth, humor, and intelligence.

Marvin graduated from Farmville High School in 1945, the University of North Carolina in 1948, and UNC School of Law in 1951.  After relocating to Tarboro in 1952, he began a law practice that spanned over six decades. Among his proudest accomplishments was his time as an Assistant Librarian for the United States Supreme Court Library, where he shuffled case law back and forth from the Library of Congress to our Supreme Court Justices. He particularly enjoyed being sent to the depths of the Capitol to locate session laws sought to aid in the interpretation of general statutes.

In 1954, Marvin met Sharon Lewis during what he described as a "fortuitous encounter" while she was visiting Tarboro to assist Congressman L.H. Fountain with his re-election campaign. Six months later, they were married, and they enjoyed 68 years together until her passing in 2022. Sharon was always Marvin's "Favorite Star" and inspired much of his poetry, especially following her death. Marvin's sharp wit, wisdom, and humor never faded. He delighted in sharing stories with family and friends in the sunroom of his Lake Valley home with pine trees in the background. He would often recount tales from his rich life experiences with a twinkle in his eye and a chuckle at the memory of his past energy and fervor. He had a particular fondness for entertaining his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, delighting them with poems he had memorized, particularly his favorite, A Psalm of Life by Longfellow, which he recited daily before his passing.

He was proud of his Eagle Scout Award and his service in the US Army Reserve. He enjoyed telling stories ("The Jokes on Me!") about his life experiences, the family history and his many Walter Mittyesque encounters that were mostly true. We will all remember him sharp as a tack, quick as a whip, and never without a feather in his straw or felt brimmed hat. Now resting in peace with his Favorite Star.

Marvin is survived by their three children: Lisa Smith, Don Horton, Shari Redhage; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church in Tarboro, N.C. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception in Clark Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SoundRivers.org to protect the Neuse and Tar – Pamlico River watersheds, preserving the health and beauty of the river basins, and the health of the communities that rely on them.