Father James Houck, Sr. husband of the late, Ruth Jackson Houck, was born on April 9 1923, in Florence, S.C., to the late Israel Houck, Sr. and Elise Smith Houck Glisson. He departed this earthly life on August 17, 2017 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by love ones.

Father Houck was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and in his early years served honorably in the United States Army during World War II. He was a retired contracting supervisor with Campbell Soup Company. He not only took pride in his job, but inspired many through his extensive expertise. He was an established entrepreneur and was one of a few black land and farm owners. On his farm he had cattle, hogs, horses, goats, peacocks, pigeons, ducks, deer and so many others. His outstanding reputation led to a street being named after him in Sumter, S.C.; Houck Street. He was an advisor to all, a financial planner, an avid lover of baseball and coached the Tindal Baseball Team. His favorite motto, was "Put God first and you don't have to worry about anything." He was a no nonsense person, and right to the point.

He accepted Christ at an early age at St Mark 4B Missionary Baptist Church, and later united with Enon Missionary Baptist Church. Father Houck was a dedicated hard-working Christian, where he was the Father of the Ministry at Enon and instrumental in helping build the previous edifice, the Enon Life Center. He was also a very devoted trustee. He was a faithful servant of the Enon Men of God Ministry, and full of Godly wisdom.

Father Houck memories will be cherished and live on through his three daughters, Hattie R. Colleton of Baltimore, Maryland, Francina (Moses) Dix, Linda Leneau of Sumter; five sons, James (Loretta) Houck, Jr., of Sumter, Timothy (Joyce) Houck of Columbia, SC, Clarence(Glenda) Houck, O'Neal (Lucretia) Houck and Daryl (Loretta) Houck all of Sumter, S.C.; twenty-two grandchildren, thirty three great grandchildren. Two sisters, Ellen Coleman of Wedgefield, S.C. and Ruth Clyburn of Philadelphia, Pa., two brothers, John Glisson Jr., of Wedgefield, SC and James Lewis Glisson of Columbia SC, an adopted daughter, Oleta Pearson of Sumter and a host of nieces and nephews. Special thanks to his caregivers, Bernice Boykin, Michelle Wilson and Cawanda Upton.

In addition to his parents, and wife, he was preceded in death by his Sisters, Mattie Lee Brewer, Lou Ethel Houck-Harris, Katie Glisson-Mackey, Betty Glisson, and his brother, Israel Houck, Jr.

Public Viewing will be held on Monday, August 21, 2017 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Mr. Houck will be placed in the church on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 12 Noon for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 1pm at Enon Missionary Baptist Church, 2990 Pinewood Rd, Sumter, SC 29154, Reverend Rossi Ramsey, Officiating and Pastor Julie A. Hayes, Eulogist.

Interment will follow in Smith Cemetery.

Family will receive friends at the home, 3225 Avin Rd., Sumter, SC 29154.