Photo courtesy of Serenity Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Roanoke
Roanoke, Virginia
Feb 7, 1967 – Jan 11, 2022 (Age 54)
Terry Houston, the son of Doris Smith, was born February 7, 1967 in Miami, Florida. He was called to eternal rest on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in Christiansburg, Virginia. Terry was raised in Miami by his mother and loving grandparents, Phillip Houston Sr and Elizabeth Houston.
Though not active in church during his latter years, the seeds of faith were consistently planted in his life at an early age by active participation in church under the watchful eyes of his grandfather Phillip Houston Sr. Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. This training manifested in him his fear for God and the caring, loving, gentle attitude he displayed towards others.
Terry graduated from American Senior High School in Miami, Florida. He continued his education at Miami-Dade Community College and then to the University of Hawaii (Oahu) where he played and excelled in college level basketball. A two-year letterman for the Rainbows from 1988-90, Terry Houston was the “glue that held the team together”, according to head coach Riley Wallace. Terry started and appeared in all 65 games during his two-year career that saw him earn all-WAC honorable mention in 1989 and second team honors in 1990. He averaged 14.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and helped the Rainbows to a pair of National Invitation Tournament appearances. In his senior year, he led the team in rebounds and was the second-leading scorer on a team that won a school-record 25 games. He played basketball at the professional level in South America. Terry also served in the United States Army and worked as a TSA agent at Miami International Airport.
Needing a companion in life Terry married his college sweetheart Wendy Walters and were blessed with two daughters Terendy and Cyndei. Terry also is the father of daughter Alliah.
He was preceded in death by his biological father Willie Gray Sr and brother David L. Smith. He leaves to cherish his memories his parents Doris and Alexander Smith III of Palm Bay, FL, three daughters: Terendy Houston, Radford, VA, Cyndei (Damien) Brown, Greenville, SC, Alliah Wilson, GA; three grandchildren: Damien Brown, Christopher and Savannah Wilson; sisters Cherylynne (Dirk) Hennigan, Fayetteville, NC, Dianne Brown, Velencia Gray of Miami, FL ; brothers: Brian (Precious) Smith, Palm Bay, FL, Willie Gray Jr, Miami, FL; sister-in-law: Sarah Smith, Christiansburg, VA; several aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and a host of friends.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 11:00AM at Serenity. Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Park in Christiansburg, VA.
To view a live stream of the service, click here at the time of the service.
Read MoreWill always love and miss you. You were like my brother. Rest Well
George B. Johnson
January 26, 2022 | Miami, FL | Family
My deepest condolences to the family. I pray God give you strength during this difficult time.
Lateffa Smith
January 26, 2022 | Christiansburg, VA
My heartfelt prayers and condolences too my family. I'm sorry I could not be by your side. May you find strength in the loving arms of Jesus
Carmen Braddy
January 26, 2022 | Columbia, SC | Family
Terry was my 2nd cousin. There are a lot of us because we came from a large family. So I never got to know Terry that well. We became friends on facebook on last year. His grandfather and my father were brothers. When we were younger his mother and siblings and my siblings were very close. My heart goes out to his mother who just lost her brother the last of last year. May The Lord Bless and give you peace at this time of loss. I love you all and my prayers are with you always.
Marie Houston Davison
January 25, 2022 | Jacksonville, FL | Family
I can consider myself lucky to have known you, let alone be one of your nieces. I’m forever grateful for the effort you put in to being apart of my life, not as a replacement for my dad, but to remind me that he’s still there. You were one of the best uncles a girl could ask for, even when you snore during movies I love you always Uncle Terry.
Demiah Smith
January 23, 2022 | Christiansburg, VA | Family
To the Family . You have my deepest blessed condolences during this time of bereavement . May God bless you and your Families.
Macie Johnson
January 23, 2022 | Roanoke, VA | Friend
To the Family and Sister Dee: My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to you all. Be blessed.
Cheryl Evans
January 22, 2022 | Roanoke, VA | Friend
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Serenity Funeral Home
January 22, 2022 | Roanoke, VA