John Gilbert Horn

John Gilbert Horn of Stone Mountain, GA passed away on Friday October 18, 2024 at Emory Decatur Hospital. He was born on September 24, 1950, in Wilmington, Delaware, the second son of Emmitt Ishmael Horn Sr. and Myrtle Batten. He grew up in Wilmington where his father was in the Army Corp of Engineers.

After high school, John moved to Gainesville, FL where he was a student at the University of Florida. He was in ROTC there. His education was paused when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was trained as a Communications Specialist and Vietnamese linguist. He was awarded a Top Secret Cryptographic Security Clearance and was stationed in Thailand where he monitored and reported logistics movements of target groups in North Vietnam.

Then he was stationed at Minot Air Force Base where he was shift supervisor for the base switchboard. While there he met his future wife, Terry Thompson. They were married in 1975. They moved back to Florida where he continued his studies. He earned his Bachelor of Science followed by his master’s degree in Business Administration.

From 1979 through 2000, he worked as a consultant in the banking industry. From 2000 to 2020, when he retired, he worked for Dekalb County Government in various positions. His last position was Budget and Management Coordinator in the Finance Department.
John was predeceased by his father Emmitt Ishmael Horn Sr., his mother Myrtle Batten Horn, and his brother Emmitt Ishmael Horn Jr., for whom he served as legal guardian. He was also predeceased by his cat family members, Flopsey, Thomas T. Cat, Sheba, and Bandit. John is survived by his wife Terry Thompson Horn, beloved cat Shadow Bell, brother-in-laws Brian Thompson (Bev) and Darrell Thompson (Judy), numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins.

John was an anchor of the Woods Subdivision in Stone Mountain. He exemplified what it meant to be a good neighbor always ready to step in and help anyone in need. From sodding lawns, taking neighbors to doctor appointments, or helping with home emergencies, John was always there with a helping hand and a smile. He will be sincerely missed.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 2:00 PM till 3:00 PM with Funeral Services to follow, 3:00 PM at the Wages & Sons Stone Mountain Chapel 1040 Main Street, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083 in Room A & B. An inurnment service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 1:30 PM from the Georgia National Cemetery 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive in Canton, Georgia 30114. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the Wages and Sons Stone Mountain Chapel by 11:45 AM on Wednesday November 13, 2024 to be part of the funeral cortege. All of these services will be livestreamed and can be view at www.wagesandsons.com

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the American or Canadian Diabetes Association, PAWS Atlanta: No Kill Animal Shelter and Pet Rescue, or an animal shelter of your choice.