Memorial Service
First United Methodist Church-
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Email Details
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408 N. Baylor
Brenham, Texas 77833
1925
William
2019
William Houston, Jr.
September 25, 1925 — August 19, 2019
William Sledge Houston, Jr.
William Sledge “Sonny” Houston, Jr. affectionately known as “Pappaw” passed away in his home on August 19, 2019. A Memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Brenham with Reverend Harry Vein officiating, assisted by Pastor Bobbie Maltas. Memorial Oaks Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. The family will gather with friends in the activity center following the service.
“Sonny” was born September 25, 1925 in Brenham, Texas, the son of Annie Brooks and William Sledge Houston, Sr. He was baptized and confirmed in the Somerville Methodist Church. He attended schools in Somerville until he transferred to Texas Military Institute in San Antonio where he graduated. He then attended Texas A&M University (class of ’46) prior to his military service.
Sonny was in the Merchant Marines before he enlisted in the Army (Battery 6, 233rd Anti Aircraft Artillery Searchlight Battalion-Army of the United States). He was awarded designation of expert rifleman. He felt very honored and proud to have served his country.
Shortly after he enlisted, he married Lois Nixon, the love of his life, on July 21, 1945. They started first grade together and had gone to the Methodist Sunday School together before that. They were married for sixty-six years.
Upon his discharge from the Army he attended Blinn College and completed his education at Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Illinois in 1950. He practiced Optometry in Brenham for 35 years.
Sonny served as President of the Jaycees and Director of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce from 1962-1964. He served on the Board of Stewarts at the First United Methodist Church in Brenham where he had been a member for 68 years. He was a Mason for 70 years. He was also a member of the Sons of Herman and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At one time he was a member of the Rotary Club, Shrine Club and American Legion. He was a Washington County Little League coach. He and Lois were very instrumental in the Republican Party movement in Washington County.
Sonny was an avid Texas Aggie fan. He and Lois had season football tickets for years. He still watched their football games on T.V. and was looking forward to the start of this season. He was an excellent card player whether he was playing poker at deer camp or duplicate bridge with his partner Mrs. Doberts and later Mrs. Toubin. He usually always won! The first time he took Dane to deer camp, Dane couldn’t believe that someone actually painted on the wall, “Houston Lost.” Since he was a young boy fishing with his Uncle Will, he loved to fish and hunt. He always looked forward to going deep sea fishing or deer hunting. He loved land and the great outdoors. After he retired, he spent endless hours researching titles and securing leases to drill for oil and gas-the passion of his life!
Last but not least, the very most important thing in Sonny’s life was his family. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Growing up with his mother during the Depression he worked hard to help his mother. He developed a very strong work ethic. He never turned down a challenge, and he never, ever quit. His needs were few, but he worked hard all of his life to provide for his family, which always came first. He never missed anything they did and he took them to Sunday School and Church. Sonny never forgot how very blessed he was by his Heavenly Father.
Sonny is survived by daughter and son-in-law Lennis and Tim Richardson, son and daughter-in-law Dane and Judi Houston; grandchildren, Jaime and Bill Slade, Lauren and Travis Neumann, Hanna Houston, Taylor Richardson, and Karissa Seaman; great grandsons Houston and Walker Slade, Tryston Neumann, and great granddaughters Lexie and Kadyn Neumann. He is also survived by nephews Tom and Stephen Houston; and special friend and personal secretary Dawn Weiss.
He was preceded in death by his parents Annie and Williams S. Houston, Sr.; brothers Gus, Robert and James Houston; sisters Roberta Houston and Doolie Gillespie.
The family would also like to thank his caregivers Sharay Belton, Loretta Jones and Addi, Shandolyn Lewis and Tammie Lewis. They are also very grateful for his abuelito Manuel Rodriguez who did anything asked of him EXCEPT help him escape from the hospital.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Brenham.
Funeral arrangements for William Sledge “Sonny” Houston, Jr. are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham.
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