William “Bill” Houston
88, Columbia
We are sad to announce William Reed Houston Sr. passed away on July 14, 2022, at the age of 88. He was born in Natchez, where he graduated High School. He was in ROTC in college at the University of Southern Mississippi.
After graduating, he married Gail Randolph Parham before serving 4 years in the Army. He and Gail moved to Columbia in 1968. He initially worked in banking and later bought the cleaners in town and worked with his son until his retirement. He loved living in Columbia where he raised three children. He enjoyed playing golf, visiting with friends and spending time with his family. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and attended Chapel of the Cross in Columbia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Aubrey Houston Sr. and Ruby Houston of Natchez; and his older brother, Otis Aubrey Houston Jr. of West Memphis, Ark.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Gail; his three children, Kathryn Houston, William “Reed” Houston Jr. (Joy), and Beverly Masino (Mike); three grandchildren, William “Will” Reed Houston III (Amy), Alexander “Sasha” Masino and Yana McCullough (Devin) and three great-grandchildren, Josie Houston, William “Chip” Reed Houston IV and Drake McCullough, all of Columbia.
