Frank James "FJ" Houston, transitioned at his home in Dallas on Sunday, February 13, 2022.
Mr. Houston was born to the lineage of the late Prince Albert Houston and Minnie Bell Lacy Houston on January 22, 1947, in
Centerville, Texas. He is the fifth of nine children born to this union. He cherished the remembrances of his paternal
grandparents the late Rufus and Bettye Mae Wilder Houston; maternal grandparents Frank and Josie Middleton Lacey and
maternal great-grandmother Elizar Richard (1872-1959). FJ joined a local Baptist church and attended with his family.
FJ Houston attended the Frederick Douglas High School in Leon County. After departing high school in 1965, FJ moved to
Dallas and joined his brother Morris in the culinary arts industry (Sammy's Restaurant), with his eldest brother Lester at the
helm. His younger brother Cleo, older brother Frank, and other Centerville natives would join them at some point and become
an integral part of an elite culinary team.
After heart searching conversations with his brothers, Mr. Houston would soon realize that the military life appealed to him
temperamentally as he was fearless, valiant, and exhibited great determination. In addition, the armed forces seemed to be
one of the few desegregated American institutions. FJ knew his uniform would not wholly protect him from the persisting
racism of the civilian world, but the colour of his skin could not impede his career.
With that in mind, he entered the United States Army (USA) July 1966 and served honorably in the military through
December 1975.
Frank James Houston was the perfect example of a good soldier who "understood the assignment, did his duty, and carried
out orders." As reflected below, he was a highly decorated and a celebrated statesman – A War Hero!
United States Army Awards and Decorations include: Silver Star Medal; Bronze Star Medal with the "V" Device 3rd
OLC; Air Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award); National Defense Service Medal;
Vietnam Service Medal (9 Campaigns); Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Cross Of Gallantry W/Palm; Combat
Infantryman's Badge; Extension Of Service Through Three Vietnam Campaigns Was At The Request And The Convenience
Of The Federal Government; Overseas Assignments Included Germany, Korea And Hawaii.
Of all Frank James Houston's accolades, he was MOST proud to serve his country – alongside his "heroic" big brother
Morris Lyndon Houston—and other men and women, during the Vietnam War who sacrificed their lives, some making the
ultimate sacrifice, fighting for the freedoms that we enjoy today! This is truly a portrait of courage, honor, and integrity!
After retiring from the military, FJ began a career at LTV and worked until retirement. He was overjoyed and excited to once
again join his brother Morris, working alongside him on a different kind of battlefield – further strengthening the "incredibly
special bond" they shared. FJ enjoyed a rewarding and lucrative career at LTV/Triumph during his tenure from 1989–2012.
With strong family values, Mr. Houston met and married his soul mate Anne Houston in September 1976 and to this union
one daughter was born (Kym Houston, the apple of his eye). FJ is also the proud father of two sons Frank James Houston Jr.
born during a previous marriage (mom Carolyn Lamb Houston); and Anthony Glenn "Tony" Horn (mom Mary Horn
Stubblefield).
Mr. Houston was an avid domino and card player and loved engaging his sister, brothers, nieces, nephews, and extended
family and friends in games that lasted hours during family gatherings! He was highly competitive and losing was not an
option. FJ also enjoyed watching competitive sports on television, especially basketball games. FJ shared a "very special
bond" with his four brothers (Lester, Frank, Morris, and Cleo) and more often than not, they were inseparable!
He was preceded in death by his parents Prince Albert Houston and Minnie Bell Lacy Houston; three brothers Lester
Houston, Frank Wallace Houston and Cleo Houston.
Mr. Frank James "FJ" Houston is survived by a community of loving family members and friends, including his wife Anne
Houston; daughter Kym Houston of Dallas, TX; sons Frank James Houston Jr. of Dallas, TX; and Anthony Glenn "Tony"
Horn of Fredericksburg, Virginia; nine grandchildren including a grandson Marion Houston of Dallas, TX; two great�grandchildren. Mr. Houston is also survived by siblings: Betty Houston of Dallas, TX, Morris Houston (Elouise) of Red Oak,
TX, Lois Jean Gatson (Walter) of Fairfield, TX, Laura Houston Williams of Dallas, TX, and Gloria Houston Jelks of Frisco,
TX; including loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a host of special relatives, colleagues and many
friends including the Centerville Community.