Former Horton Fruit Co. CEO remembered for devoted service, leadership

Longtime Kentucky produce industry veteran Al “Buzz” Horton, 79, died Sept.  4.

After joining the family business in 1968, Horton served as chairman and CEO of the Louisville, Ky.-based Horton Fruit Co. for nearly three decades.

“He meant the world to our company, and everyone who knew him,” said Mike Wise, president of Horton Fruit Co.

Wise said Horton was an incredibly sharp businessman who cared deeply for his associates.

“His primary goal, in his words, was to always ‘serve the customer better,’ Wise said. “Buzz was one of the most generous people I’ve ever associated with. His compassion knew no bounds and was devoted to making things better in the communities where he worked and lived.”

Horton also served as president of the Louisville Produce Association board of directors, according to an obituary published in the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Horton’s other past board memberships include the American Printing House for the Blind, the Archdiocese of Louisville’s Finance Council and multiple terms on the Saint Xavier’s board of directors, including continued service as an emeritus director to the finance committee. He also served on the board of trustees of St. Bonaventure University, according to the obituary.

Horton’s tireless efforts and community involvement earned him recognition within the Catholic community, including the Catholic Education Foundation’s Salute to Catholic Alumni Award and the Sacred Heart Schools’ Volunteer Leadership Award.

In lieu of flowers, the family has said expressions of sympathy may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor (15 Audubon Plaza Drive, Louisville, KY, 40217) or St. Xavier High School (1609 Poplar Level Road, Louisville, KY, 40217).