Todd Horne remembered as more than a coach

Jamie Kelley called on his friend, Todd Horne, for some help Tuesday morning.

Though Kelley was a new assistant for Horne at Dale County High School, this had nothing to do about football.

Kelley was having trouble with the disc plow on his tractor, and he knew Horne would be willing to lend a helping hand.

“Being an ol’ country boy, I asked him to help,” Kelley said.

Horne helped fixed the tractor, and then the two had a little fun.

“We played on the tractor a little while,” Kelley said.

Horne left and Kelley began planting seeds.

“When I got through, I was covered with dirt,” Kelley said. “I had called him to say I was going to be a little late (for a team workout).”

Kelley’s call wasn’t answered, so he instead left a message on Horne’s phone.

“It was kind of strange for Todd not to pick up his phone,” Kelley said.

Kelley was on his way to Dale County High when he got word Horne and four other Dale County coaches had been injured in a car accident.

Kelley left for Flowers Hospital. Shortly after he arrived, Horne was pronounced dead.

Horne was in his third year as the head coach at his alma mater. He previously coached at G.W. Long for 13 years, serving as the girls basketball coach and an assistant baseball and football coach.

“Todd was a friend to everybody,” Kelley said. “He cared about the kids and he liked to work. He had all the inklings of being a great head coach.”

Dale County was scheduled to host Rehobeth in a 7-on-7 practice game on Tuesday night.

Rehobeth coach Neal Rumble got the word of the accident as his team was preparing to travel to Midland City.

“When we got through with our workout, I told our kids to keep Dale County in their prayers,” Rumble said. “About the time we were letting them go, we got the word Todd had died.

“It will leave a big hole. He was an outstanding person. He would give you the shirt off his back. The coaching community has lost a great coach and a great friend.”

Earl Miller, the legendary baseball coach at G.W. Long, says Horne was always willing to do whatever it took.

“He was a generous person and very hard worker,” Miller said. “Whatever you asked him to do, he was there to do it. He always supported you and was there for you.”