Mourners Remember Horaney’s Legacy

LONGVIEW — The line of mourners stretched out of Trinity Episcopal Church, down to Padon Street, and around the block. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report they had come Saturday to pay their respects to Ron Horaney, the Longview businessman shot and killed Monday night at his home. Horaney, 54, was co-owner of the longtime Horaney’s Feed Store with his mother, Betty Horaney. His impact on the Longview community, including much of his charitable work, was the focus of the people gathered Saturday afternoon.

Longtime friend Jim Thomas said Horaney — and all of the Horaney family — had done much for Longview over the years. Thomas was not surprised by the large turnout Saturday, which crowded the church’s fellowship hall and sanctuary. “This is what happens,” Thomas said. “This is the legacy that he has left.” Former Justice of the Peace Arthur Fort said he has known the Horaney family for as long as he can remember. Fort recalls Horaney as a friendly person who was always helpful to his customers. “I was shocked and surprised” at Horaney’s death, he said, adding he had “a lot of regret that this thing should happen to (Horaney) and his family.”

Former Longview Mayor Jay Dean worked with Horaney and his mother while in office, especially when it came to the annual Thanksgiving food drives they organized. “I used to love to go to the store just to shoot the bull with him and hug Ms. Betty,” Dean said. Dean said the large turnout Saturday just showed how Horaney affected everyone he came into contact with. “We’re very sad to lose Ron, and we hope for the best for the family,” he said.

Police are still investigating the shooting, which took place about 7 p.m. Monday close to the southern end of Tryon Road. Investigators with the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office are working with the Texas Rangers to identify the person who shot Horaney several times, and a sketch of the suspect has been released.