Gerrald Anthony Houston Sr.

It is with heartfelt love that we honor the life of Gerrald Anthony Houston, age 54, of Atlanta, Georgia who entered eternal rest on December 25, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on January 9, 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia, Gerrald was the son of James Sr. and Brenda Houston, who instilled in him the values of love, kindness, and hard-work that would guide his life.

From a young age, Gerrald’s curiosity and bright spirit were unmistakable. He was full of questions and wonder, observing everything around him, never missing a beat! He attended Tull Waters Elementary School for his primary years and continued at Florence Jackson Academy for 6th and 7th grade, graduating as class valedictorian. He went on to attend Frederick Douglass High School, where he graduated with distinction both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

Gerrald was recruited to the University of Texas at Austin where he played basketball, majored in education, and made a name for himself on and off the court as Big G from Atlanta. He went on to build a 30-year career as an elevator mechanic, a title he wore proudly, and became known across the industry for his strong work ethic, dependability, and genuine kindness. On March 16, 1996, Gerrald married his college sweetheart, Michelle, and together they shared 29 years of love, partnership, and treasured memories while raising their three children- Kayla, Anthony, and Phillip. In 2009, Gerrald and his family planted new roots in McKinney, Texas and built a life filled with close friendships and a strong circle of family, friends, and coworkers.

Gerrald was the kind of person who never met a stranger. His smile was welcoming, his humor uplifting, and his stories legendary- always told with animation, laughter, and a sparkle in his eye. He loved to entertain, gather people together, and make others feel like family. Whether cooking a meal for others, telling tales that made everyone laugh until they cried, or simply showing up when someone needed him, Gerrald brought joy into every room he walked into.

Gerrald is survived by his wife, Michelle Houston; children, Kayla Houston, Gerrald Anthony Houston II, and Phillip Houston; siblings, James Houston Jr. (Britta Houston), LaTarsha Martin (Robert N. Martin), Adrian Houston, Darryl Houston (Tina Houston), and Sonja Allen (Byron Allen); and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Brenda Houston.

Let the way Gerrald lived inspire us to love deeply, give freely, laugh often, and show up for others just as he did.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. A memorial service will also be held in Atlanta, Georgia, with details to be announced soon.