Gary Ray Houston

Gary R. Houston, 76, of Jonesboro, passed from this life on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center.  He had lived in NEA since 1977, moving here from Rockford, Illinois. He was born in Cypress Inn, Tennessee to Learoy and Rachel Brewer Houston.  He was a member of the Bono Church of Christ.  He worked most of his life as a computer programmer.  He served his country in the US Army, during the Vietnam War.  Gary had many hobbies, such as woodworking, carpentry, and photography. He was preceded in death by his father, Learoy Houston; his mother, Rachel Byron; and sister, Mary Parker.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Sandy Houston, of the home; sons, Sean Houston of Walnut Ridge; Derek Houston of Canton, Texas; brothers, James Houston of Prestonburg, Kentucky; Gene Houston of Oyster Creek, Texas; Larry Houston, of Rockford, Illinois; sisters, Lorrylei Todd of Tyler, Texas; and Susan Houston; grandchildren, Marshall Houston, Daryan Watts, Garrett Houston; and great grandchild, Jasper Simmons.

Funeral services will be 2:00 Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Richard Akins officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Burial will follow at Markham Cemetery with Derek Houston, Sean Houston, Gorden Bice, Paul Tremulis, Jermy McCall and Jim Pickle serving as pallbearers.  Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time on Wednesday.

To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.