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QUAY HORNER

QUAY HORNER

Quay Allen “Big Al” Horner, 81, of Moundsville, died on Friday, June 26, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Allen was born January 9, 1945 in Glen Dale to the late Quay Mentor Horner and Elizabeth McNinch Horner Jenkins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Jane Horner at birth, Joan Grace Cecil of Moundsville, Mary Beth Cain of Wichita, KS; in-laws Larry and Janice Brookover, and John and Jodi Heath.

Allen is survived by the love of his life, Arelena Heath Horner, whom he married in 1970. The two were happily married and devoted to each other for 56 years. He is also survived by two sons, Allen Desmond (Mariah) Horner and Aaron Quay (Natalie) Horner; two granddaughters, Sadie Quinn and Cassidy Rose; and three step-grandchildren, Willow, Abi, and Jesse. Allen is also survived by in-laws Barbara (Walter) Barnhart, Kathleen Francis, Jeanette Heath, and Madelyn (Dwayne) Mosser, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He attended Moundsville High School where he honed his skills in auto-body and shop. In 1966, Allen enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Germany for three years as a mechanic. Allen’s employment included jobs at Marx Toy, Valley Camp Coal, Picoma Products, Shamrock Conduit, Layman’s Auto, Hartley’s Marina, and he retired from Knight’s Farm Supply.

Allen spent many evenings and weekends in his home garage repairing motors and restoring classic automobiles. He was a backyard mechanic, who loved to work on Chevys. He built “Mr. Trojan,” a 1957 Chevy. He truck pulled for 35 years with his well-known 1967 Chevy truck, “Work Truck” in WV, OH, and PA. He belonged to Dogs Inc. Car Club and Southeastern Truck Pullers Association. Allen was a proud UMWA Union member and served as a leader for the Shawnee 4-H Club.

As a devout Christian, Allen attended Wayman’s Ridge United Methodist Church. Throughout life, his faith never wavered even throughout his battle with cancer. Allen personified happiness, peace, kindness and positivity. He found great joy in spending time with his family.

Allen was a proud Mountaineer, Penguin, and Steeler fan. He loved NHRA drag and dirt track racing. Allen enjoyed traveling, especially in-state to his favorite destination, Blackwater Falls. As an avid music fan, he sang along to just about every song on the radio. Allen will be remembered as a kind, caring, loving friend, neighbor, husband, father, and grandfather.

Though we will miss him more than words can express, Allen’s legacy lives on through the stories we tell, the lessons he taught us, and the laughter and love he shared so generously.

A private interment will be held at the family’s convenience. Allen’s Celebration of Life will be held at Wayman’s Ridge United Methodist Church in Moundsville on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory, Moundsville, WV.