Frederick Harold Houser was born on January 3, 1953, to Willie James and Nannie Ford Houser in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He peacefully made his heavenly transition on September 6, 2020, at his home in Athens, Georgia.
Affectionately known by all who loved him as “Butch”, he left the same lasting impression on everyone who came before his presence. He was truly a people person and a lifelong follower of Christ. Ordained as an elder in February 2019, he served as an active member and leader at Timothy Baptist Church in Athens. He was also an ordained minister.
Fred was a proud Howard High School Tiger and remained very active with his beloved Class of 1970 who recently celebrated their 50th class reunion. Following high school, he attended The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he was a proud member of the Cheerleading Team and he carried that level of enthusiasm and zeal for life wherever he went. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services Management. Thereafter he went on to earn a Master of Science in Public Management from Cumberland University.
He lived by the motto, “If I can help somebody then my life will not be in vain” and as such spent his days in service to others. He was admired as a key player in the transformation of Chattanooga, from the revitalization of the MLK area in the 1980s to addressing inner city gang violence from 2005-2013 in his role as the city’s Associate Gang Czar and Outreach Coordinator. In addition to serving his local community, he also served as a missionary in Costa Rica, together with his sister, prayer partner and best friend, Joan.
In October of 2019, Fred reconnected with a high school classmate and found in her true happiness and a refuge he wholeheartedly desired. Fred and “T” as he lovingly called her, enjoyed a wonderful courtship and became engaged at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2020.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Nannie Houser. He leaves to cherish his memory a son, Daniel “Jackie” Houser and a daughter Juliene Houser Williams (Frank), three sisters, Cynthia Woodruff, Anita Faye Sorrells and Joan Houser Stevens, seven grandchildren, a special nephew, Felix Mayes and a host of other relatives, friends and even brief acquaintances who are forever positively affected by his very special presence.
The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! Matthew 25:21 NLT