Heywood Barron Houtz

1936 - 2025

Heywood Barron Houtz Elizabeth City - Heywood Barron Houtz, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025, surrounded by his family and loved ones in his hometown of Elizabeth City, NC. He was born on August 28, 1936, to the late A.W. "Billy" Houtz and Margaret Sawyer Houtz. A 1954 graduate of Elizabeth City High School, Heywood served as Drum Major during his sophomore year. He graduated in Engineering from NC State University in 1958, after which he spent six months as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Bunch, and they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in June 2025.

Heywood was employed as Vice President and Chief Engineer for Carolina Telephone & Telegraph (and its successors) from 1959 until his retirement, when he joined his wife Patricia at Houtz & Barwick Co., the family business.

Heywood was passionate about music. He sang bass in the Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church choir for many years, where he also served as Deacon and Treasurer. He sang with the Moment's Notice Barbershop Quartet and performed in countless Albemarle Players productions.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bunch Houtz; two daughters, Kathryn Elizabeth Houtz and Jeannette Barron Houtz Fralin (Lindy); two granddaughters, Dr. Emma Jeannette Fralin (Sarah Pyne) and Margaret "Maggie" Frances Fralin; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Heywood was preceded in death by his brothers, Alfred William Houtz, Jr. and David Stoddard Houtz.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church, 311 W. Main Street, Elizabeth City, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Heywood's name can be given to the Eastern NC Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org/nc

The family gives special thanks to June Tarkington, Rosa Felton, Yvette Jernigan, and their families. Their love, patience, and guidance have helped the family greatly during this difficult time.

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is assisting the Houtz Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.