Hayes Eugene Houston, 90, of Franklin, passed away on Sunday, September 2, 2012.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Emlis Green Houston and Emma McCoy Houston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by seven sisters, Bertha Crisp, Beulah Speed, Bonnie Speed, Eva Frady, Tina Houston, Leliah Henry and Mattie McCoy and five brothers, Bob, Jay, R.L., Raleigh and Emlis Green Houston, Jr. He was a US Army veteran of WWII serving in the European Theater. He was a member of 36th Combat Engineers A Company and recipient of six Bronze Service Stars. Eugene was a member of Liberty Baptist Church, New Port News, VA and a member of the American Legion Post 108. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan; enjoyed gardening, taking care of his lawn; helping others and above all he loved his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Earles Houston; two sons, Richard Houston and wife Jean of Hampton, VA and Gary Houston and wife Faith of Cobb, GA; sister, Shirley Reagor of Houston, TX; three grandchildren, Kevin Gene Houston, Julie Beck and husband Henry and Laura Kendrick and husband Brad; one great granddaughter, Carly Beck and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 4, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, prior to the service at Macon Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery with military rites conducted by the VFW Post 7339 and the American Legion Post 108.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Houston, Brad Kendrick, Henry Beck, Conrad Henry, Ken Morgan and Chris Ott.

Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1648, Franklin, NC 28744.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com