It is with deep sadness that the Razorback Nation mourns the passing of Harold Horton, a true legend of the University of Arkansas. Horton, who dedicated over four decades of his life to the Razorbacks, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the age of 85.
A native Arkansan, Horton’s connection to the Razorbacks began as a football student-athlete from 1959 to 1961 under the legendary Coach Frank Broyles. He played defensive halfback and was part of teams that secured three Southwest Conference championships and a victory in the 1960 Gator Bowl.
His commitment to the program continued long after his playing days. Horton served for 13 years as an assistant football coach under both Broyles and Lou Holtz, mentoring defensive backs and linebackers. His impact extended beyond the field as he transitioned into athletic administration.
In 1982, Horton took on the head coaching role at the University of Central Arkansas, where he achieved remarkable success, leading the Bears to back-to-back NAIA national championships in 1984 and 1985. His tenure at UCA also included seven consecutive Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference titles from 1983 to 1989.
Returning to his beloved alma mater in 1990, Horton continued to serve the Razorbacks in various administrative capacities, culminating in his role as the executive director of the Razorback Foundation from 2001 to 2012. In this position, his tireless efforts were instrumental in building the financial support necessary for the growth and success of Razorback Athletics.
Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek acknowledged Horton’s profound impact, stating, “For more than four decades Harold Horton served his beloved Razorbacks with distinction, including as a player, coach and administrator. 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.”
Horton’s legacy is further cemented by his induction into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (1989), the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor, and the University of Central Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (2002), where he is one of only five father-son inductees alongside his son, Tim Horton, who also played for the Razorbacks and is currently the running backs coach at Air Force.
Harold Horton is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty, their children Holly Banister (Brian) and Tim Horton (Lauren), five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Harold Horton’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 7th, at Christ Church in Fayetteville. The Razorback community joins his family and friends in mourning the loss of a true legend whose dedication and passion left an indelible mark on the University of Arkansas.
