Chief Petty Officer, USN (Ret.)  Joe Lynn Houston, Sr., age 91, was called to his heavenly home on January 1, 2026. His earthly journey began on May 19, 1934, in McCaysville, GA, as the youngest of eight children born to Riley and Harriet "Hattie" Houston.  

A Legacy of Service  Joe's life was defined by a profound sense of duty and devotion. He honorably served his country for 20 years in the United States Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Following his military career, he transitioned to civilian life with AT&T, where he eventually retired a second time. A dedicated leader in his community, Joe proudly served as the Mayor of Dacula in the early 1990s. He was a man of a tireless work ethic who continued to work in various positions for several more years. To know Joe was to love him; he moved through the world with a spirit of service that touched his family, his country, and every neighbor he met. Joe was reunited in heaven with the love of his life and wife of nearly 65 years, Sheila "Jan" Houston, who preceded him in death in June 2025. He was also predeceased by his beloved son, Joe L. "Sam" Houston, Jr.; his granddaughter, Sara Houston; his parents; and six of his siblings. His memory will be cherished by his surviving children: Brenda (Ron) Fuller of Simpsonville, SC; Dennis (Sherrie) Houston of Buford, GA; and Stephanie (James) Harness of Dacula, GA. He is also survived by his daughter-in-love, Gena Houston of Loganville, GA; his sister, Omega Houston; and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. "Pa" will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Ronnie, Jessica, Joe Lynn "Sammy" III, Madison, Emily, Jimmy, D.J., Leah, and Matthew; as well as his five great-grandchildren: Liam, James, Collins, Millie, and Rhett, and his beloved Lab "Lucy."  

Visitation  The family will receive friends at Byrd & Flanigan Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, GA, on Friday, January 9th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service 

 Memorial service  The memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Malcom Amos Jr., & Pastor Duke Forster officiating. Anyone who knew Joe was well aware of his lifelong passion for the Atlanta Braves. In a final tribute to his joyful spirit, the family invites attendees to wear their Braves attire to the service—a gesture we know would bring a trademark smile to his face. Interment will follow at East Shadowlawn Memorial Gardens, Lawrenceville, GA, with Military Honors.     The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his caregivers, Maude and Gene, for their loving and compassionate care. We also wish to thank the Northeast Georgia Hospice team, including Malcom and Peggy, Allison, Jeff, John, Lorie, Patricia, Laura, Niecy, and Michael, for their extraordinary support over the last several months.  

   In Memoriam  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joe's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, continuing his lifelong commitment to his fellow service members at  support.woundedwarriorproject.org