Kenneth Ray Horsley
Kenneth Ray Horsley, Sr., of Ridgeway, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on October 3, 2026, after many years of battling Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born on December 20, 1945, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, to the late Roberta Oakes Horsley and Claude Swanson Horsley.
Kenneth was a faithful member of Wayside Baptist Church, where he served as choir director and Sunday school teacher. His love for the Lord and dedication to his church were treasured parts of his life.
A 1964 graduate of Martinsville High School, Kenneth was a multisport athlete who later became a well-known umpire in the local community. He served as president of the Martinsville–Henry County Home Builders Association and was a proud member of the Martinsville Speedway 500 Committee. He retired from Lester Building Supply, where he served many local contractors throughout his career. He was well respected and loved by those who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth David; and his brothers, Claude Horsley Jr., Marvin Horsley, Willie Horsley, Roy Horsley, and J. C. Horsley.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Horsley; his brothers, Jack Horsley (Jean) and Larry Horsley; and his children, Kathy Jones (Tommy), Stacy Whitacre (Robert), Ken Horsley Jr. (Susan), Kendra Horsley (Court), and Christie Beacham (Brian). He is also survived by his granddaughter, whom he raised, Kaylee Hartsock (Jordan).
His surviving grandchildren include Cody Jones, Jacob Jones, Nicholas Horsley (Lydia), Payton Horsley, Kole Wagoner, Lucas Burleson, Caitlin Beacham, Caleb Beacham (Brie), Camelle Beacham, and Clayton Beacham. He also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren: Schuylar, Zane, Lyric, Scarlett, Josie, Ella, Brooks, Olivia, and Lainey.
He is also survived by his special loved ones, Diana and Ricky Roland, along with many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Wayside Baptist Church in Ridgeway, Virginia, with Pastors Craig Hicks and Ken Horsley Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Ridgeway.
The family will receive friends at the church from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., prior to the service and other times at the home.
Memorial donations may be made to Wayside Baptist Church, P.O. Box 426/1256 Morehead Avenue, Ridgeway, VA 24148.
Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he is home with his Savior. His legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.
