Married Memphis graduates return to campus after 44 years

The Horners, now in their mid-60s, graduated from the U of M and met on a makeshift softball field on campus 44 years ago where the Ned R. McWherter Library now stands. They returned to campus on Oct. 16, 2017, to visit the spot where they first met.

“He lived in Robinson, and I lived in McCord,†Gail said. “My dorm team was practicing softball, and his ROTC team happened to be practicing … so they asked us to play a scrimmage game against them.â€

Gail said her first date with Randy happened two weeks later, but he had to convince her.

“I thought he was full of himself,†Gail said. “My friend talked me into going out with him because she knew him from one of her classes.â€

After two years together, Randy proposed to Gail at Robinson Hall, near the spot where they first met.

Despite facing challenges after getting married at fairly young ages, the couple said they do not regret their decision.

“We absolutely went through a lot of obstacles and had to fight through a lot of things getting married at 21,†Gail said. “We still had to get through school, both of us still had to finish college, then he went to pilot training, which was not easy, and there was a lot of stress.â€

Gail said young couples should follow the advice she and Randy gave to their children about getting married young.

“We’ve told our kids – ‘look at how long we’ve been married,’†Gail said. “We’re in our mid-60s and people live to be 80-85. You better think long and hard about who you are going to marry because you’ll be with them for a long time.â€

Randy said there are some things young people should do before deciding to tie the knot.

“Get your education done, get a career started and find someone you want to share life with,†Randy said.

Randy said it was an “impulsive thing†getting married so young, but he has no regrets.

“We’ve been married almost 43 years and have raised two great kids,†he said. “I’m very grateful.â€