William Eric Stephens Horne, MSgt. USAF Ret., 53, passed away March 29, 2015 after a short battle with cancer. He served in the USAF as a Bandsman, retiring after 28 years. He was a trombone, piano and bass guitar player and ran various bands from rock bands on Maxell AF Base, in Montgomery, AL to the Big Band “Pacific Showcase” on Yokota AF Base in Tokyo, Japan. Eric toured throughout Asia with his fellow bandsmen and always spoke of these times as some of the best of his life. During his tour of Japan Eric was given the additional duty of First Sergeant of his unit and volunteered for many military functions, the Special Olympics and the Yokota Friendship Festival, which was a favorite of his. Eric had a great respect and love for the Japanese people and their culture. Throughout his career he was also a music arranger and composer. One of MSgt Horne’s original compositions, the “Yuko March” was presented and played as a gift to the Japan Air Self Defense Force on their 50th Anniversary. Eric served during the Gulf War and was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters, and National Service Medal with 1 Service Star. He was an active member of ASCAP and the AOPA. Eric was a loving husband and father and had great fun being “Growly Bear” to his grandkids. He loved to travel with his wife Sharon, spending time with other retired Air Force friends and enjoyed private piloting and spending lazy days with Yagi and Gromit, his and Sharon’s “fuzzy boys”. Eric is predeceased by his mother Cherie Stone; maternal grandmother; and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his wife Sharon Horne; son William E. Horne, Jr.; daughters Alexandria Claire Horne and Katherine Turnage Michael; grandchildren Lillian Kay Pedergraph, Lauren Elizabeth and Dominic Eli Turnage; brother Greg A. Wegener; father George Stephens Charlotte; aunt Jeanine Vail; cousins Gordan and Maura Vail; and two dogs Yagi and Gromit. A service will be held Friday, April 10, at 12:30pm at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola NAS in Pensacola, Florida. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Newport News to reminisce about Eric and his “unique” outlook on life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eric’s name to the American Cancer Society or your local ASPCA. Riverside-Altmeyer Funeral Home is assisting the family.
