Joe R. Houston, age 81 of Paris, Tennessee, died Saturday, July 30, 2022, at his residence.
Joe was born Saturday, March 15, 1941, in McKenzie, Tennessee, to the late Joe Chester Houston and the late Mary Sue (Pete) Downey Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Elizabeth Houston.
He was a longtime pharmacist and former owner of East Wood Pharmacy in Paris, where he continued working after his retirement. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy with a Doctorate. Joe was very active in the Optimist Club and helped organize American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) in Henry County. Later, a soccer field was dedicated in his name at Eiffel Tower Park in Paris. He was an active part of the First Baptist Church Paris family. In his earlier years, he earned a black belt in karate. After retirement, Joe enjoyed gardening, golfing, fishing, and maintaining his lawn.
He was married Sunday, September 12, 1965, to his wife of 56 years, Norma Jean Farmer Houston, who survives, of Paris.
Along with his wife, he is also survived by his son: Richard (Carol) Houston, of Big Sandy, Tennessee; four grandchildren: Matthew Houston-Fisher, Savannah Rhiann Houston, Aden Alan Houston, and Ean Richard Houston; and his extended family, the Farmers and the Dohertys.
Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, Tennessee, 38242. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 313 N. Poplar Street, Paris, Tennessee, 38242, with the funeral service beginning at 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Dr. Trent Bullock, Todd Henson, and Randy Stephens officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be Drew Farmer, Stacy Clark, Corey Wimberly, Bud Ryan, Doug Neely, and Logan Drummond. Named as honorary pallbearers are Dr. Jim Robertson, Dr. Charlie Herron, and the members of the FBC Paris Friendship Sunday School Class.
Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Paris, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Paris Optimist Club, c/o Tom Beasley, 3780 Highway 79 N, Paris, Tennessee, 38242 or Tomorrow’s Hope, 211 N. Brewer Street, Paris, Tennessee, 38242.