Peyton Hovious Houchins

Peyton was born on December 19, 1986, in Jackson, Mississippi. He is the son of Larry and Pamela Houchins of Jackson. He graduated from Jackson Preparatory School in 2006, where he played basketball and ran track. He attended the University of Mississippi and planned to graduate in May 2011.

Peyton had unique creative abilities and a contagious enthusiasm for all things. He never once met a stranger. His gift of love for all people and relationships was without equal. A loyal friend to all, even strangers, his friends came from every walk in life. Peyton was a rare individual, with a zeal for life, Saints football, music, basketball, and being around the ones he loved.

His lifelong passion for basketball began at any early age and extended into summer AAU leagues, varsity high school competition and, more recently, college intramural leagues. Peyton’s interest in music was all encompassing. He performed with several bands based in Oxford and Jackson, voluntarily promoted dozens of others and, at the time of his death, had plans to launch a record label.

Each and every person surrounding him felt Peyton's energy and excitement. He loved his family and friends, and was the center of every gathering. He will be greatly missed.

Peyton is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Grizelda Palmer of Corinth; and his paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Lem Houchins of Vicksburg; his great grandparents Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Green of Fort Payne, AL; and Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Palmer of Corinth.

Peyton is survived by his parents, Pamela and Larry Houchins of Jackson, his brother Palmer Houchins of New York City; his future sister-in-law Cathryn McIntosh of New York City; his grandfather David Palmer of Corinth and his wife Joann; his aunts and uncles, Penny and Randy Long of Corinth; Pat and Nancy Palmer of Corinth; Nancy and Robert Williams of Memphis; his great aunt and uncles, Jim and Sheila Palmer of Jackson; John N. Palmer of Jackson; his cousins, Becky and Jeremy McElduff of Kansas City, KS; Rob and Amy Williams of Nashville, TN; Laura Kate and Colby Carmichiel of Oxford; and David Palmer, Ben Long and Claire Palmer, all of Corinth.

The pallbearers will be Mark McVey, Stewart Hood, John Love, Rob Carpenter, Thomas Cooper, Winn Walcott, Perry Taylor, Shane Mason, Ben Molpus, Steven Ross, Justin Garner, John Barrett and Kennedy Miller.

Visitation will be on Friday, December 31 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 1 at 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.

The family requests that memorials be sent to First Presbyterian Church 1390 North State St, Jackson, MS 39202, Neighborhood Christian Center PO Box 14226 Jackson, MS 39236, Reformed University Fellowship 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 104, Lawrenceville, GA, 30043, or the charity of your choice.