Rev. Ray Houston

Rev. William Ray Houston, age 75 of Cullowhee NC, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021. He was born on September 17, 1945, in Jackson County, to the late Fred Lawson, Sr. and Ella Nora (Hooper) Houston.

Ray graduated from Cullowhee High School and Fruitland Baptist Bible College. Going to Brazil on a mission trip was a highlight of his ministry. Ray preached and sang at many churches throughout his life. One of his weekly highlights was visiting residents at the nursing homes in the area, where he would sing to them about the Jesus that he loved with all his heart. This strong, brave man’s entire life was dedicated to preaching and singing gospel songs. Through this, he was an inspiration to others and touched the lives of many people. His heart belonged to children, and he always tried his best to make friends with them all. In his free time, Ray was an avid fan of the Carolina basketball and Braves baseball teams. He also enjoyed watching and feeding the hummingbirds out his kitchen window. The birds brought him so much joy that he wanted his house decorated with hummingbird décor. He also looked forward to his doctor visits in Asheville because they always kept the promise of eating at Cracker Barrel, his favorite restaurant. This kind, gentleman will be much missed. Many people have made the remark that if we all lived our lives in the fashion of Ray, the world would be a much sweeter place.
He will be dearly missed by his loving siblings, Fred Jr. (Alva), Shirley Henry (Jake), Joy Queen (Mike); nieces & nephews, Wallace & Keith Henry, Curtis & Kevin Queen, Lib Broom, Mike Taylor, Michelle Shook; and several great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Emma Lou Shook, Lillian Ray, Ruth Houston; nephew, Clinton Taylor; and niece, Olsa Queen.

The family will receive friends from 2:30 – 3:30 PM on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at Promise Land Baptist Church, 8359 Highway 107, Cullowhee NC., with a Funeral Service at 3:30 PM. Revs. Larry Bryson, Mike Farmer, and Steve Webb officiating. Interment will follow at Hooper Cemetery, Caney Fork Rd., Cullowhee.

Donations can be made in Ray's memory to the Hooper Cemetery Fund. c/o Dovie Mae Stephens, 1604 Moses Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC 28723. Please make checks payable to Hooper Cemetery Fund.