William Alexander Horney Jr.

HIGH POINT --  William Alexander Horney, Jr., died July 9, at Pennybyrn in High Point where he had been a resident for the past 9 years.  He was 101.  Born on October 2, 1916, he was the son of Grace Gurley Horney and William Alexander Horney, Sr.  He was a lifelong resident of High Point and a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.  His summers were spent attending Blowing Rock Methodist Church, a place with people dear to his heart.

No one ever loved his home town more than Bill Horney.  High Point was where he was born and was nurtured and given the opportunity to spread his wings.  He was encouraged along the way and spent his lifetime encouraging others.  Everyone he knew felt they were a special friend, because they were indeed.  He loved people and truly never met a stranger. He considered his family members his best friends and they were his greatest source of pride; he was constantly expressing “I’m proud of you!”  He had a foundation of love from his mother that knew no bounds.

Following graduation from High Point High School he went to work for the company that later became Mirro Products, of which he eventually became owner.  His employees were like family and those close relationships have continued to this day.  His work in the community was heart-felt, broad and deep. He discovered his leadership abilities as a young man through his work in the High Point Jaycees, serving as President.  He also was president of the High Point Kiwanis Club and the High Point Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the High Point Economic Development Corporation.  He served 21 years as a Trustee of High Point Regional Hospital, two as Chairman.  He co-chaired two successful building campaigns, including one that raised the money for the current facility.  To help insure the sustainability of quality health care, he was a founding member of the High Point Regional Hospital Endowment and served as its Chair during the early years.

Always a champion for young people, he chaired the Nido Qubein Scholarship Fund and found tremendous pleasure in meeting and helping the students each year.  He was deeply involved with the Boys and Girls Homes of NC, serving on the board for many years, an interest that began when he traveled the state as a Kiwanian raising money for the Kiwanis Cottage on the campus.

He was an encourager and always wanted everyone to be the best they could be.  One of the highlights of his volunteer “career” was helping to found Communities in Schools in High Point. He went on to serve on the state board.

He was a founding member of the High Point Community Foundation.  In 2000 he received the Spirit of the Foundation Award, and in 2001 the Philanthropist of the Year Award.

He was recognized as the 1984 Citizen of the Year by the High Point Enterprise and the 1996 Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the High Point Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include his wife, Daphne Rouse Horney, of the home; one daughter, Leigh Giles and husband Billy of Lynchburg, VA.; two sons, David Horney and wife Bonnie; and Jeff Horney and wife Claire, all of High Point;  four grandchildren:  Daniel Horney (Katie), Sally Giles, Kate Horney Hutchison (Wylie), Charlotte Horney, and one great-granddaughter: Avery Horney.

A memorial service will be held at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church on Thursday, July 12 at 11:00 am with Dr. Jeff Patterson and Rev. Jared Stine officiating.  The family will receive visitors in the Asbury Room following the service.  The family will also receive visitors at Pennybyrn at Maryfield, 109 Penny Road, in Ilderton Hall on Wednesday, July 11, from 5:30 to 7:00.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Endowment Fund at High Point Regional Health Foundation, PO Box HP-5, 27261; Communities in Schools, 503 Ferndale Blvd; the Blowing Rock Methodist Church, PO Box 352, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605; or Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, 400 Flemington Drive, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Alexander Horney Jr., please visit our floral store.