William Sanford (Bill) Houston, Jr.

Deacon William "Bill" Sanford Houston, Jr., 84 of Wingate, NC died Sunday, November 25, 2012 at Brian Center Nursing Home in Monroe, NC.  Funeral Services will be held 12 noon Saturday, December 1, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, 302 E. Windsor St., Monroe, NC 28112. Reverend Christoper Houston, Eulogist, Interment will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

Born in Monroe, NC October 13, 1928 a son of the William Sanford Houston, Sr. and Maggie Elizabeth Foster Houston.  He attended both Elementary and High School  in Union County and went on to attend North Carolina A&T State University prior to entering the United States Navy.  After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked as a Professional Truck Driver receiving numerous driving awards for the next Thirty-five years until retirement. He was a member of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, NC  for over Fifty years and served on both Trustee and Deacon Boards and then later returned to the church of his youth, Black's Memorial Presbyterian Church in Monroe, NC where he attended until his death.  He enjoyed reading, traveling, jazz music and gardening.  His warm personality, love for people and witty sense of humor became his trademark with all that knew him.

William was preceeded in death by his parents; two brothers Richard Houston and Hubert Houston; two sons; Curtis Watson Helms and William Sullivan Houston.

He leaves to cherish his memories; his wife of 61 years, Mary Elizabeth Chambers Houston; three daughters; Phyllis Houston-Washington of Wingate, NC, Elmira Houston-White (Bernard) of Hollywood Hills, CA, Mazella Houston of San Francisco, CA; one sister-in-law; Cauthen Houston; one daughter-in-law; Tijuana Cheek Houston; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and relatives; special friends and buddies Wayne Culbertson and Leon Gillespie.

Public viewing will be held 11am to 7pm Friday, November 30, 2012 at Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Monroe, NC