Gerrald Anthony Houston Sr.
January 9, 1971 – December 25, 2025

IN THE CARE OF
Ted Dickey West Funeral Home
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.

Nicole Poole

Friend

12/31/2025

Michelle & family – Although it’s been years since I last saw you and Gerrald, my heart aches for you and the children. Hew was always the nicest ever, full of laughs and I appreciated the times we all spent together. Hold fast to your memories and carry him always in your dreams. The prayers of the righteous availeth much. With love and admiration.

Gerrald is #33

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.

Brian Martin
Friend
01/01/2026
One of the first guys I meet when I starting working in Atlanta in the late ’90s. Always a kind word. Always with the positive energy. Condolences to this strong family and long time friends and coworkers. Appreciate the blessing of having the opportunity of crossing the path of this cool individual.

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.

On behalf of IUEC Local 21 Mike Mayshaw Jr

Colleague

12/30/2025

The many hours Gerrald sacrificed to continually learn and perfect, his craft were truly exceptional. We are grateful for the time he shared with his brothers and sisters of the IUEC. The gifts Gerrald leaves with us, are the distinct memories of his dedication to our trade and his contagious laughter. We stand with you as you reflect on Gerrald’s memory with love-his most precious gift.

Aunt Angie Washington
Family
01/04/2026
Sending lots of prayers and condolences. We are saddened to hear of Gerald’s passing, yet truly grateful for the time we enjoyed together and memories we made in D.C., Atlanta and Texas.

Gerrald Houston was a Texas Longhorns forward from the early 1990s, remembered as a steady role player who contributed across four seasons and later built a respected life and career beyond basketball.
🏀 Gerrald Houston — Texas Longhorn Basketball
Position: Forward
Height: 6’8″
Years at Texas: 1989–90, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94
Career Games: 111
Career Averages: 3.1 points, 2.6 rebounds per game
Best Season: 1992–93 (Junior year)
20.6 minutes per game
4.9 points, 4.8 rebounds
Strengths: Hustle, rebounding, interior defense, energy off the bench
He wasn’t a star in the box score, but he was exactly the kind of glue guy those early‑90s SWC teams relied on—physical, dependable, and willing to do the dirty work.
🧡 Life After Texas
Gerrald Houston went on to build a long, successful career as an elevator mechanic and became known for his kindness, humor, and ability to bring people together. He passed away on December 25, 2025, at age 54.

Sheronda Sweet
Friend
01/03/2026
Prayers to the Houston family during this time. I’m saddened to hear of Gerrald’s passing. He will always be remembered. Hook ‘Em Horns – forever a Longhorn. 🧡🤘🏾