Mr. Rodney Jay Horton

August 27, 1955 - March 4, 2017

Rodney Jay Horton went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 4, 2017. Rodney was given to this earth on August 27, 1955 to Willie Horton, Jr. and Nita Rae Smith-McGhee of Benton Harbor, MI. Rodney and his family relocated to Baldwin, Michigan in the early 70's, where he graduated from Baldwin High School in 1973. He loved playing football and was said to be "a great tight end". He helped operate several family-owned businesses like the First Lake County Ambulance Service, Oak Village Care Center Co-founder, and C-MAR Skating Rink/Disco/Laundromat. He joined the U.S. Military to serve his country and traveled all over the world and was stationed in Hawaii and Korea. While in the Military, he earned a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree and became a Physician's Assistant and Warrant Officer II, as well. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lillie ("B") Blue Horton; his parents, Willie Horton, Jr. and Nita Rae Smith-McGhee; his brother, Carl Horton, Sr. and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Goodloe Horton. Rodney was known to his colleagues as "Dr. Horton". His residents, nurses and patients loved him and considered him as a compassionate care physician. Rodney leaves to cherish his memory: 1 daughter, Monique (Neil) Austell of Kalamazoo; 3 sons, Maurice (Sonya) Nicks of Detroit, MI; Rodney Jay Horton II of Pennsylvania; Stephan Horton of Detroit; 9 grandchildren: Neil, Lyndonn, Jaylan, Joshua, Nylanh, Jaylin, Nakiah, Jordin and Tautiana; 2 great-grandchildren; Aubry and Jayla; 1 brother, Mark Allen Horton and a special friend, Felicia Bradfield of Kalamazoo; 2 nieces, 1 nephew; several uncles, aunts and a host of cousins and friends.