James Lewis Houston

U.S. Air Force retiree, First Lutheran Church member James L. Houston, 89, of Washington, died Wednesday, November 5, 2008, in Indian Path Medical Center, Kingsport, Tenn., following a two-week illness. He was born December 13, 1918, in Washington, a son of James A. and Nellie Mae Paul Houston. Mr. Houston graduated from Washington High School in 1936. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Washington. Mr. Houston served honorably in the U.S. Air Force for 27 years, retiring August 31, 1966. He was awarded the Air Force Longevity Award with three bronze oak leaf custers and the Air Force Longevity Award with four bronze oak leaf clusters. He also was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Clasp Good Conduct Medals. He worked at RCA as a draftsman and at Valley Brook Country Club. He was a member of Houston American Legion Post 902 and Sunset Lodge 623. On January 17, 1943, he married Laura Conner, who died December 5, 2006. Surviving are a daughter, Susan Raye (Randall) Wilson of Rogersville, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Randall James (Kim) Wilson, Deborah Lynne (Jamie) Begley and Joy Renee Wilson; four great-grandsons, Joshua Pabian, Jordan Pabian, Jayden Goins and Randy Wilson Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves friends Fred and Kathy Huff. Deceased are a daughter, Lynne Carol Houston; and a sister, Estella Day. Friends will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 395 East Maiden Street, Washington, where services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, October 10, with the Rev. Kenneth Schott officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 American Legion. Sunset Lodge 623 will hold services at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.