Williston "Willie" Frank Houston

Williston "Willie" Frank Houston, 85, of Franklin, NC passed away on May 19th at Angel Medical Center. Born in Rabun County, GA on November 30, 1940, he was the son of the late Roy and Carrie Houston.

Willie worked at Highlands Police Department and retired as the assistant police chief. Willie proudly served in the United States Army as a member of the 101st Airborne division. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Longview Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn DeLong, and brother, Wayne Houston.

Willie is survived by his wife of 33 years, Shelby Houston; a son, Tim (Misty) Houston of Clayton; a daughter, Angela of Wake Forest; Jon (Tammy) Stanfield, a lifelong friend to his son Tim, who became like family, as Willie helped to guide him through many of life's milestones; a stepdaughter Jeanne (Stuart) Shepard of Clover, SC; his grandchildren, Taylor (Isaac) Wall, Trista (Austin) Reese of Clayton, Ashton (Emily) Shepard of Mills River, and Timothy and Tony Miller of Ellenboro. He is also survived by two great grandsons, Jase Wall and Houston Reese, who Willie could never wait to see or hear about. In his final days they were truly the joy of his life. Willie's brother, David Houston and his sister, Elaine (John) Shepard also survive him.

A graveside service will be held 3:00 PM Sunday May 24, 2026, at the Longview Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Greg Rogers officiating. Ashton Shepard, Timothy Miller, Isaac Wall, Austin Reese, Josh Houston, and Jon Stanfield will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff James and Bobby Peek. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 108 and the VFW Post 7339.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Houston family.