Lee Morris Horne, Jr.

Lee Morris Horne, Jr., “the second,” of Newark, Delaware, quietly left us just after midnight on June 18, 2026.  He was in his home surrounded by his loving family with his loyal cat, Mia, sleeping at his feet; the way it should be.  

Lee was born on March 9, 1966, in Grundy, VA, five minutes before his twin sister, Leshia.  He eagerly embraced those five minutes and always reminded her, “I’m the oldest, “I’m the big brother,” and he truly was a big brother to all of us.  

Lee attended Meadowood School and graduated from Delcastle Technical High School.  He overcame any challenges to become a hardworking and productive person.  He looked forward to going to work at Box Outlet and ShopRite and relished “saving his money!”  He held many interests for which he was passionate including Country/Bluegrass music.  He attended the Delaware Valley Bluegrass festival yearly purchasing his ticket in advance and excitedly packing his tent, cooler, and snacks.  No one could mistake any of his belongings due to his fixation of labeling everything (in permanent marker) with his name, for which he was so proud.

Lee was a Special Olympics Delaware medalist in bowling and swimming and could dive and out lap all of us.  He “swam like a fish” which was fitting because fishing was his ultimate passion.  He received many citations in fishing tournaments which he prepared for all year, collecting the latest tackle and always a new fishing bag! Whether at Whiteclay Creek for trout, Hagley for smallmouth, Becks Pond for bass, or Fred’s boat for cats-n-stripers, Lee was always ready with a fishing pole in hand.  

As much as Lee loved fishing, it was shared with his devotion of being an uncle to his five nieces, grandnephew, and grandniece.  He loved them unconditionally, honestly, and was the epitome of “fun parenting,” always with his joyfulness and contagious laughter.  

In addition to his immediate family, Lee has a large, loving, extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.  Some of his fondest memories were of our trips to Virginia visiting sites along the way, and especially our family reunions.  He loved a car ride made perfect with a stop at McDonalds followed by an ice-cream or a Sunday drive to Uncle Ken and Aunt June’s with Reese’s cups to share. 

We can’t fail to mention Lee’s numerous dogs.  He always had one, and dad would often allow him the pick-of-the-litter.  Although there were many, Rebel, Sandy, and Bailey were his lifetime walking partners and as dedicated to him as much as he adored them.  

Lee is survived by his mother, Phyllis Horne; his sisters, Candi DelPizzo (Albert), Leshia Horne, and his brother Fred Horne (Cindy).  His nieces; Olivia Lopes (Brandon), Phoebe DelPizzo, Hannah Horne-Fiducioso, Savannah and Siara Horne; grandnephew, Warren Lopes and grandniece, Vivienne Lopes. 

He was predeceased by his father, Lee Morris Horne Sr.; his grandparents, Fred and Chloe Sparks and Squire and Lucinda Horne; his cousins Diane Eaton, Terry Horne, and Sharon Renz.  

Lee had a rich and fulfilling life which we are grateful and blessed to have shared with him.  Visitation for family and friends will begin at 11:00 am, with a service to follow, Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware.  Burial at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be private.

The Horne family wishes to thank Dr. Jerry Gluckman for his exceptional compassion and care, and Delaware Hospice for their loving staff and support.  The love and kindness they gave fills us with deep comfort during this time of missing Lee. 

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