James William "Sam" Houston, SR, 82, passed away on July 7, 2019.  Mr. Houston was a United States Air Force Veteran where he served honorably and was retired from the Shelby County Sheriff's office.  He held memberships in several notable organizations; Odd Fellows Lodge, The Blue Lodge, Scottish Rites and he was a 32 degree Mason, also belonged to Ellendale Baptist Church in Ellendale, TN.  Left to honor and cherish his memory is his wife of 53 years, Marie Evans Houston,one daughter Pencie  Marie and her husband John Ryland of Memphis two sons, James "Jimmy" William Houston, JR of Memphis, John Edward Houston of Trenton, TN, and one precious grand daughter, he was so very proud of, Isabella Marie Goza of Memphis, one sister, Shirley Roberts of North Carolina, and two brothers, Johnny Houston of Mississippi, and Mark Houston of Mississippi.  The family will have a memorial service on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 11:00 am at Old Brownsville Chapel 4190 Old Brownsville Rd in Somerville, TN.  Military honors will be rendered at the church.  In Lieu of flowers the family requests any memorial in his memory be made to the Diabetes Association or St Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Forest Hill Funeral Home, East 901-382-1000