John Houchens Jr.

John A. Houchens Jr.

John A. Houchens Jr. made his journey home on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Born on December 4, 1925, he was raised in Charlottesville, and lived his entire life a few blocks from where he was born in Belmont.

He is survived by his wife, Daurice Marie Smith. They would have been married for 68 years on July 20. He graduated with honors from Lane in the first graduating class. After graduation, John proudly volunteered to serve his country by joining the Navy in 1943. He married his high school sweetheart, Daurice, on July 20, 1944. After the war, John's son, Jerry, his first son was born, followed six years later by Mike and then another six years later by David.

Other survivors include their three sons, Jerry and his wife, Pat, and their children, Wendy and Rodney, and Mike and his children, Clark and Aaron, and David and his wife, Brenda; and two great-grandchildren, Rodney's children, Colton and Chase. He worked several jobs, starting at Monticello Dairy in 1954, where he worked for 33 years. He was actively involved in Monticello Little League Baseball and coached the JC's to several winning seasons. He was proud to have the first integrated baseball team in Monticello Little League history. John was a member of the Belmont Association for many years. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting. He often took his baseball team fishing in Jessup's Lakes. A member of the Virginia Reelers, he loved square dancing. John was an avid blood donor, environmentalist way before his time, and dog lover, especially Jack and Mindy, and was never heard to speak a cuss-word. A funeral service will be held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15, 2012, at Belmont Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Leland officiating. Burial will follow immediately at Riverview Cemetery.

His family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home. His family suggests donations be made to Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 160, Charlottesville, VA 22902 or Belmont Baptist Church Food Bank. Friends may send condolences to his family at www.hillandwood.com



This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.