Harry L. Houston

Harry L. Houston, 88, passed away on June 10, 2016, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Born in Lexington, Tennessee, on July 10, 1927,  Harry is survived by a son, James A. Houston (Anne), a daughter, Cari Ruth Houston Hayes (Mark), a sister, JoAnn Houston Anderson (Bill Stewart) and four grandchildren, John Houston of Johnson City, TN, Sarah (Trevor) Toll of Knoxville, TN, and Katy Hayes and Houston Hayes of Lexington, TN.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Gibson Houston, his daughter, Judy Lynn Houston, his parents, Noah Arthur and Chessie Ella White Houston, his brother, Lyman Houston, and his sister, Katie Lou Houston.

 Harry graduated from Lexington High School.  During high school, he attended Boys’ State at Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, TN, and joined the Tennessee State Guard.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy.

A veteran of WWII, Harry returned to Lexington to marry Ruth and to begin a 46 year career with the Tennessee Farmers’ Coop, first as a Coop manager, then retiring as the Director of Training, traveling throughout the South to recruit university agriculture students.  Many people knew “Red” through the Dyersburg Little Theatre.  He also traveled nationwide as a public speaker, known as the “Sage of Sandridge.” He loved fishing and making fishing jigs.  He also was a great supporter of the fire department.  Harry worked as a red coat at Dyersburg Hospital and volunteered for the Salvation Army.  He attended Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Pallbearers will be Bill Boehmler, Danny Dedmon, Eddie Gourley, Jimmy Hester, Jerry Lee, Billy Rose, Tommy Townsend, and Jim McWherter.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2016 in the Chapel of Curry Funeral Home conducted by Reverend Cory Williams.  Interment will be at 4:00 p.m. at Sand Ridge Cemetery in Lexington, TN with Dr. Marty Comer officiating.

The family will receive friends Sunday, June 12th from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or to the charity of donor’s choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Curry Funeral Home, 1984 St. John Avenue, Dyersburg, TN  38024.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.curryfuneral.com.