Charlie "Craig" Horton
1939 ~ 2023
Date of Death: February 3, 2023
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Horton family. Charlie’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mr. Charlie Horton.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
Mr. Charlie Harrel “Craig” Horton was born November 30, 1939 to Mary Lee Fowler-Davis and Booker Hoskins in Conway, Arkansas. “Craig” accepted Christ in his life at an early age at Zion Temple Church of God In Christ under Pastor, Rev. Rogers. His grandmother, Mother Mamie Fowler, a saved and faithful member began teaching “Craig” how to play the guitar at the age of 10. “Craig” was a graduate of Pine Street High School in Conway, Arkansas and later took off playing with his first band “York Wilburn and the Thrillers.” He made a name for himself as an International Legendary Bluesman, touring all over the world. He was a gifted songwriter, singer, and guitarist who took pride in taking chances and playing music that came from his soul. “Craig” played guitar in the Legendary Little Water’s Band and was a touring member of the Dells. He was also a big part of the Chicago music scene, known as the “Chicago Kid”, opening the Golden Dolphin with Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Before his debut solo CD, “Craig” performed with Chuck Berry, Sam Cook, Dinah Washington, Otis Rush, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Sam Myers and the Mississippi Delta Blues Band. He received the “Patience Is A Virtue Award” from Real Blues Magazine, and “In My Spirit” earned him Best Debut Album of 2001 from Living Blues Magazine. In 2004, the Bay Area Blues Society named, “Craig” Horton, “Blues Guitar Player of the Year” and named him and his band as “Best Blues Band of the Year”.
“Craig” is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lee Fowler-Davis and Booker Hoskins; son, Charlie Harrel “Craig” Horton, Jr.; ex-wife, Evangelist Dorothy Dutchess Horton; siblings, Theresa Davis, Dorothy Davis, Penny Davis, Bernice Davis, Linda Faye Davis, Violet Davis-Lennox, Monroe “Jackson” Davis, Robert Davis, Helen Minor, Ruby Cook, Jerline Harrell, and Rosie Lee Senior.
“Craig” leaves to cherish his loving memory, daughters, Mz SuMac of Bay Point, California, Stacy Horton of Inglewood, California; two grandchildren, Shawndi O’Brian and Anthony King; wife of 14 years, Jerene Horton-Brown of Los Angeles, California; two step-daughters, Wanda (Ray) Richardson of Las Vegas, Nevada, Vicki Hives of San Francisco, California; siblings, Lucy Ann Davis of Oakland, California, Justine Davis-Williams of Detroit, Michigan, Wilbert (Tempy) Hoskins of Decatur, Georgia, Sylvester (Gladys) Hoskins of Detroit, Michigan, Mini Jean (Robert) Issac of Kansas City, Missouri, Dorothy (James) Proctor of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Juanita Dixon of Toledo, Ohio, Carl Hoskins of Atlanta, Georgia, Betty Conner of Maumelle, Arkansas, Josie Bonds of Little Rock, Arkansas; brother-in-law, Curtis Senior, Sr., and a host of other relatives and friends.
Walk through visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, February 24, 2023 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at Veasley Funeral Home.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023, 11:00am at New Zion Temple Church of God In Christ, 1272 Sutton Street, Conway, Arkansas 72032.
Committal service and final resting place will be held at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, Conway, Arkansas.
