Harold Horton Obituary

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Harold Horton, who served  the University of Arkansas and the Razorback Foundation for more than 40 years as a football student-athlete, assistant football coach, athletic department administrator and as executive director of the Razorback Foundation, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the age of 85.

The native of DeWitt, Arkansas, Horton is a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor and the University of Central Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

“For more than four decades Harold Horton served his beloved Razorbacks with distinction, including as a player, coach and administrator,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek said. “A native Arkansan, Coach Horton’s tireless efforts helped shape our program and serve generations of Razorback student-athletes, coaches, Razorback Foundation members and fans. His influence and impact were integral to the success and growth of the program throughout his tenure. The Razorback Family extends our sincere condolences to his wife Betty, their children Holly and Tim, the entire Horton family as well as all of those who were positively impacted by the life of Coach Harold Horton.”

Horton earned all-state honors for the Dewitt Dragons in 1956 before making his way to Fayetteville. He played on legendary Coach Frank Broyles’ first three Southwest Conference championship teams at Arkansas, lettering as a defensive halfback in 1959, 1960 and 1961. He played in the Gator, Cotton and Sugar bowls and his teams combined for a 25-8 record. Horton was elected captain in 1961 in a vote by his teammates. In 2003, he received an Outstanding American Award presented by the College Football Foundation.

After earning his degree in physical education in 1962, Horton was the head football coach at Bald Knob (Ark.) and Forrest City (Ark.) high schools for three years each. and then went into coaching.  He compiled a combined record of 43-15-3 at the high school level.

Coach Broyles brought Horton back to campus when he hired him as linebackers coach in 1968. Horton coached 13 years under Broyles and Lou Holtz. He moved from coaching the linebackers to the defensive line in 1977 and served in that capacity for four seasons under Coach Holtz.

Following the 1980 season, Horton went into private business for a year but returned to football in 1982 when he became head coach at Central Arkansas. His teams were 74-12-5, won two national championships, seven conference championships and qualified for the NAIA playoffs six times. The 1983, 1987 and 1988 clubs were all undefeated at 10-0. Horton led UCA to 38 straight wins to conclude his tenure. He was named NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1983.

Horton left UCA after the 1989 season and returned to the University of Arkansas once again as an administrator for the football program and athletic department. Horton was named executive director of the Razorback Foundation in 2008 after serving as vice president for 11 years. He retired in 2012, from that position as well as head of the Razorback Letterman’s Club – the A Club. As a player, coach, and administrator, he served the University of Arkansas for more than 40 years.

“Coach Horton’s love of the Razorbacks was evident even beyond the football field,” Razorback Foundation Executive Director Ryan White said. “Most knew him as a player and coach, and none were surprised to learn he would continue working with the Hogs by moving to the Razorback Foundation as a fundraiser. He made such an impact on our members, he was asked to lead our organization in 2008. Many of our members still share stories of their interactions with him and remember the passion he had for our student-athletes and our mission of supporting Arkansas Athletics. I am personally grateful to him for his efforts in creating a strong foundation upon which we have continued to build the support for our student-athletes. We send our love to his family and all who are feeling this great loss of a true Razorback legend.”

Horton is survived by his wife Betty of 63 years, two children Holly Banister (Brian), Tim Horton (Lauren), five grandchildren, Bentley Banister (Delaney), Charlotte Wedding (Rick), Caroline Horton, Barrett Banister (Sarah), and Jackson Horton. He is also survived by three great grandchildren, Wynn Wedding, Banks Banister, and Jack Banister, one brother, Don Horton (Mary Jean), and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7 at Christ Church 4201 N. Shiloh Drive in Fayetteville.