William F. "Bill" Houston

William Fermin "Bill" Houston, 84, of Longview, Texas was called home to Heaven on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at home with his loved ones at his side.
Bill was born in Longview, Texas on March 19, 1937, to parents, Frank Houston and Beatrice Rogers Houston Price. A near lifelong resident of Longview, Bill attended Longview Schools and graduated from Longview High School in 1955. During his early years, he worked alongside his grandfather, Robert Rogers and uncle, Bedell Rogers in their famed leathercraft shop in downtown Longview.
He attended Abilene Christian College (ACU) where he earned two Bachelor's Degrees, one in Theology and the other in Mathematics. He then earned his Master of Education Degree from East Texas State University. Due to his exceptional mathematical skills, he soon got the attention of a new agency, now known as NASA. Bill, however, followed his heart and began his teaching career in 1960, eventually teaching at Pine Tree High School. In February 1968, while teaching at PTHS, he first met Gale Helveston, who was student teaching there at the time. On December 19, 2021, they would have been married for 52 years.
Never one to be idle, Bill not only taught school full time but also drove school buses mornings and afternoons, was a Realtor, and sponsored several school academic teams/ clubs. Many of his former students will always remember his talent of being ambidextrous and writing simultaneously with both hands on the chalkboard. He taught at PTHS for nearly 20 years and also taught at Trinity Schools Of Texas and Hallsville ISD where he retired in 2002, after 42 years as an educator. Still not one to sit idle, Bill heard the highway calling and began driving semi trucks all over the country for several companies until age 80.
Bill was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, sharing his faith and being a wonderful example of a Christian man to his three children and anyone who knew him. While attending Alpine Church Of Christ, he volunteered at Caring & Sharing ministry, Family Promise of Longview mission, and driving the church shuttle, carrying the elderly to and from church services.
Bill was preceded in death by grandparents, Robert and Rachel Rogers; grandmother, Maria Houston; grandfather, John Houston; father, Frank Houston; mother, Beatrice Rogers Price; and brother, Joe Price, Jr.
Left to cherish his memory are wife, Gale T. Houston; daughter, Angela Houston Baker; son, W. Philip Houston; and son, Robert Houston; grandchildren, Emily Houston; Dalton Baker; and Carson Baker; sister, Elizabeth Morgan; brother, Jim Price; brother, Charlie Price; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Fredrick and Karen Helveston. Also left to cherish his memory are many loved cousins, nieces and nephews, and his beloved canine sidekick, Ann.
A private family visitation will be held at Welch Funeral Home on Friday, December 10, 2021, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM, followed by a private graveside service at 2:00 PM at Grace Hill Cemetery in Longview with Eddie Gooch officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made in Bill's name to the Hwy 80 Rescue Mission.