ROY HOUSTON,

85, of North Little Rock, Ark., passed away in his home on March 22, 2021. He was born March 29, 1935 in Calhoun County, Ala., to the late Agaitha and Lenard Smith. After his mother died during childbirth, he was raised by his great-aunt and uncle, Thomas and Jewell (Henderson) Houston.

He moved to Chicago, Ill., where he met and married Charlotte Ann Pauke. Roy was a loving husband for 66 years. Roy loved his family above all. He was happiest surrounded by family and friends. He celebrated 50 proud years as a member of Local 11 Roofers and Waterproofers Union. He enjoyed Chicago Cubs, storytelling, gardening, country music, and driving the backroads.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Houston; children, Debbie Houston-Howard (Lee), Jeff Houston (Donna), Becki Houston; great-aunt, Robbie Smith; sisters-in-law, Marie (Houston) Williams and Peggy Smith; grandchildren, Anthony Phillips (Genasis), Miranda Phillips, Brandon Phillips, Ashley Houston, Nathanial Houston (Christy); great-grandchildren, Russell Williams, Leif McGuire, James McGuire; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Judith Pauke.

He is preceded in death by sisters, Maude (Houston) Cox, Katherine Houston, Mable Pemberton (Bill), Marie Hayes (Curtis); brothers, Archibald Houston and Gornell Smith; brothers-inlaw, Henry Pauke and Richard Pauke; and his grandson, Matthew Houston.

The family requests donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Parkinson’s Moving Day Walk-Little Rock in our father’s honor.

A visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107). Masks will be required. Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com/sherwood to sign the online guestbook.