Carlos was born on January 7, 1973, the beloved son of the late Jerald A. Houston and Cristina (Houston) Bentfeld.
Carlos loved life in a big way and lived it with passion, energy, and an open heart. He was active from a young age, playing little league baseball and later both baseball and football throughout high school. He graduated from William H. Shaw High School in 1991, where his athletic spirit and larger-than-life personality were already well known.
As a young man, Carlos found a love for bodybuilding, competing in and winning several local and out-of-town competitions. His impressive physique even earned him recognition on billboards for Nick Spano’s Olympic Health Spa—an achievement he was proud of and often joked about.
Carlos worked in several trades over the years but ultimately found his true calling in home improvement and carpentry with Better Built Solutions alongside Kameron Letlow and Jeff Morgan. There, he not only perfected his craft but also developed lifelong friendships, especially with Kameron, proving that age was no barrier to genuine connection.
With his personality and wit, he could sell an eskimo a bag of ice. That technique served him well, breaking into the world of selling cars like candy bars. Among those auto dealers who were privileged enough for them to be on their teams were Carl Gregory, Kia of Columbus and Bill Heard Chevrolet. Most people who knew of his reputation would ask for him by name. This gave him a sense of accomplishment and an opportunity to help so many in the community in search of just the right automobile to meet their needs.
Carlos never met a stranger. He was known for replacing handshakes with big hugs, for his infectious smile, and for a generosity that knew no limits. He would give his last meal or the shirt off his back to anyone in need.
He loved watching UGA football, especially when surrounded by family, and proudly cheered for the Georgia Bulldogs. Carlos also loved to dance, moving effortlessly between American and Latin music, with a special fondness for the sounds of the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
In recent years, Carlos found deep joy and peace in his faith. He was baptized in the summer of 2025 at Cascade Hills Church and attended services regularly. He loved the Lord and was unashamed to share his love for Christ with friends and family.
Carlos leaves behind to cherish his mother, Cristina (Houston) Bentfeld; stepfather, Bud Bentfeld; brother, Cristopher Houston (Caroline); his nieces, Elise Houston and Alexis Everson; and his children: Cristiana, Carina, Auriannah, Giancarlo, and Cayden. He is also survived by a multitude of friends of all ages and walks of life who were blessed to know him.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rebeca Montenegro, Alejandro Prosper, Doris Houston, and Charles Houston; his father, Jerald Houston; and his newborn son, Valentino Houston.
Carlos will be remembered for his strength, his laughter, his faith, and most of all, his heart. His presence filled every room, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who loved him.
In celebration of Carlos’s love for life and his fun spirit, his family asks that attendees wear black and red in honor of his favorite football team, the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to a GoFundMe in Carlos’s memory: https://gofund.me/7c69c89e3
A visitation will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Fisher Chapel, located at 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA, 31907, US, on February 7, 2026, starting at 1:00 pm.
The funeral service will take place at the same venue and chapel on February 7, 2026, beginning at 2:00 pm.
A committal service will follow at Parkhill Cemetery, located at 4161 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia, 31907.
