Melvin Deal Houck, 97, of Gamewell, passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026. Melvin was born March 6, 1929 and was the son of the late Phiffer Avery Houck and Alma McCall Houck. In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Reba Cardwell Houck, two grandchildren, Shane Hartley and Tracy Carver, daughter-in-law Pamela Houck, son-in-law David Hartley, brothers Eugene Houck and Gerald Houck and sisters Willie May Houck and Thelma Fountain.
Melvin is survived by two sons, Ronald Houck and Rev. Randy Houck and wife Wendy and three daughters, Rebecca "Becky" Hartley, Joyce Fleming and husband Steve, and Melvia Carver, 14 grandchildren, Juanita Pilkenton and husband Darian of Granite Falls, Larae Shell of Hudson, Corey Houck and wife Dawn of Collettsville, Leslie H. Chester and husband John of Granite Falls, Holly Hartley of Kings Creek, Heidi Wilcox or Lenoir, Angela Fleming Crow and wife Kala of Easley, SC, Derek Fleming and wife Chasity of Lincolnton, Dusty Fleming and wife Jessica of Simpsonville, SC, Autumn Carver of Lenoir, Christopher Houck and wife Ashley of Granite Falls, Casey Fleeman and husband John of Lenoir, Zayden Houck of Granite Falls and Zaylie Houck of Granite Falls 29 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, sister, Mary Loudermelt, numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved cat Dolly.
Melvin’s family was his pride and joy. He was happiest when his home was full and he made sure no one ever left hungry. He worked in the furniture industry for many years. His favorite places were the beach, his cabin at Lake Lure and his front porch.
He was a member of East Flat Baptist Church. He loved the Lord, his family, and his country. He enjoyed hunting and was a member of Foothills Outdoorsmen Club.
Funeral services will be at East Flat Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Billy Mitchell, Rev. Randy Houck, and Rev. Mike Gragg officiating. Interment will follow at Flemings Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Gamewell.
Serving as pallbearers will be the great-grandsons, Landon Annas, Jalon Tate, Kameron Carver, Andrew Hartley, Colby Wilcox, Deuce Eldreth, Triston Auton, Hayden Auton, and Ridge Fleming.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at East Flat Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to East Flat Baptist Church or Amorem Hospice of Caldwell County.
Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to serve the Houck family.
