Dale Houston Obituary

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Wade-Nowell Funeral Home in Collins, Miss., for Mr. Dale Houston, 67, of Seminary, Miss. Mr. Houston passed away Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007, at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg, Miss. Interment will be in Smyrna Cemetery. The Rev. Glen Shoemake and the Rev. Kendall Walters will officiate. Mr. Troy Shondell will give a musical tribute to Mr. Houston. Pallbearers will be Todd Thurman, Terry Thurman, Ethan Cascio, Woody Lyons, Joseph Jansen, Tim Webb, Eddie Pierce, Tong Pierce and Gary Lott. Serving as youth pallbearers will be Brent Thurman and Preston Thurman. Honorary pallbearers are Don Owens, Johnny Koonse, Chuck Payne, Ron Campbell and Roy "Shorty" Carruth. Mr. Houston was a musician and native of Covington County. He recorded numerous songs during his career that spanned some five decades. Dale partnered with Grace Broussard in the early 1960s and the two recorded many hit songs together. "Dale and Grace" had two number one hit songs on the Billboard Chart. The songs "I'm Leaving It Up To You" and "Stop and Think It Over" both earned the duo gold records with more than 1 million copies of each record sold. Dale Houston received a number of awards and honors during his career and among those he was most proud of include: a performance on Dick Clark's American Bandstand show, two gold records, induction into the state of Louisiana's Hall of Fame (2000), Louisiana's Living Legend Award (2000), induction into the Texas Music Hall of Fame (1998), induction into the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame (1998), induction into the Delta Music Hall of Fame (2007), service as grand marshal of the Okatoma Festival, along with his singing partner Dale Broussard in 1995, a 1995 resolution by the Covington County Board of Supervisors honoring Dale and Grace, and the Key to the Town of Seminary awarded in 1995. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Houston and Essie Walters Houston. Survivors include four sons, Rusty Houston, of Lafayette, Chuck Houston, of Monroe, Gary Wilson, of Little Rock, Ark., and Jeffrey Dale Houston, of Baton Rouge; two daughters, Vicki Lynn Houston-Hogg, of Monroe, and Robin Houston Cannatella and her husband, John, of Baton Rouge; a brother, Don Houston and his wife, Barbara, of Cut Off; two sisters, Judy Sykes and her husband, Tom, and Claudette Cascio, all of Sanford; his singing partner, Grace Broussard, of Prairieville; seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 1, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Wade-Nowell Funeral Home.

Published by The Advocate on Sep. 30, 2007.
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DITO from before! I Love You, Paula

Paula

Friend

September 25, 2023

I still remember

Tammy

Friend

September 24, 2023

Missing You. .Whenever I pass the Diamond Head exit on I-10 I give a wave and my love to you still.
I still remember you calling and singing a new song that wasn't out yet to get my opinion. That meant so much to me.

You and My Sweetheart Jay, ROCK on!!
Love You,
Paula

Paula

Friend

July 19, 2021

I remember mom taking my bro Terry and I over to Bill's recording studio back in the late 1970's through the mid 80's and we'd all sit there listening to the master tapes of Dale & Grace's 1963 hit "I'm Leaving It Up To You" many times. Bill was always proud of having produced that recording of you all. But I especially remember a time when you were there for me personally after Bill's brother in law Raymond shut off power to the house that I lived in at the time and then had his son Eddie serve me with an eviction notice. I had to come down to your house and use your phone to call mom & dad to let them know since Bill either wasn't at home or wasn't answering his door. Dale, you were there for me that day back in November of 1990 and I've never forgotten it!! And neither has mom. We love and miss you.

Robbie Stewart

Family

July 12, 2021

Happy Happy Heavenly Birthday❤ Tammy

Betty Ott

April 23, 2021

Very nice person. Me ,Bobby Land Worked for a long time in the road together doing our band in and all over the country

Bobby Land

Friend

September 4, 2020

Cant believe how long it's been. I miss having you fire me and rehire me. Your best guitar picker, JC.

Johnny Koonse

Friend

September 3, 2020

Dale, you have been immortalized by Sam Montel's book, "Leaving It All Up To Me."

December 19, 2019

Still miss you Tammy

October 5, 2019

my generation misses you

October 3, 2019

We miss you Dale. You were our friend and we had so many cherished memories. One day we'll see you again. Susan, Buddy, Wendy & Nick.

July 30, 2018

Miss you and I guess you're having a great time with my Sweetheart Jay. Give him a Big hug from me and tell him I love him so much! Also,I love ya my
friend! Bring on the music!

Paula Chamberlain

June 25, 2018

Dale was a great man and musician he played in our band for a while, we became very good friends

Bobby Land

June 15, 2018

It's been 11 years since you left us. We love and miss you so much. Guess you and Aunt Joyce is celebrating this year. Give her a big hug for me.

Judy Sykes

April 23, 2018

Happy Heavenly Birthday

Tammy

April 23, 2018

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Love Tammy

April 23, 2017

sam euggino

March 11, 2017

Your family and me miss you, see you one day again.

Betty Ott

September 27, 2016

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALE. I LOVE AND MISS YOU.

Judy Sykes

April 23, 2016

Happy Happy Birthday Baby, Tammy

April 23, 2016

Sweet Memories, Tammy

Betty Ott

March 8, 2016

Missing you, Tammy

January 21, 2016

Missing you, Tammy

January 21, 2016

Missing you Dale. I think of you so often. Sometimes I feel as if you still just a phone call away.

With Love, Susan & Family

Susan Arnett

September 30, 2015

It's been 8 years today that you left us Dale, we miss you so much. I know you are having a wonderful time with our love ones. We will all meet again some sweet day.
We love you.
Tom, Judy & Brent

Judy Sykes

September 27, 2015

Miss you even after 7years Dale

grace broussard

July 3, 2015

Tammy

July 2, 2015

Have loved your hits since I was 13 in the early 60's when you and Grace recorded. Your beautiful songs bring back such lovely memories. Rest in peace. I still play your old songs.

Virginia Gunn

April 25, 2015

Happy Happy Birthday Baby,I miss you, Tammy

April 23, 2015

Thinking of you, Tammy

February 1, 2015

Miss & Love you

Judy Sykes

January 9, 2015

Miss you, Tammy

January 4, 2015

Dale please tell Bob and Bill that we love them and miss them along with you. I am sure heavens band is awesome . Til me all meet again.. love, becky , terry and robbie

becky tharp

September 28, 2014

Thought of you all week Dale. Yesterday was an another anniversary, but the memories never fade. You are in my heart always. Love, Susan

September 28, 2014

Its been 7 yrs. since you left us. Love and miss you. Love Judy

Judy Sykes

September 28, 2014

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Harry Simpson

September 27, 2014

Love Tammy

July 1, 2014

Happy Birthday in heaven, love Tammy

April 23, 2014

You came to visit me and the boys in my dream last night. Made me miss being married to you and our family together.
Love you always, Pat

April 14, 2014

Thinking of you, Tammy

April 12, 2014

.......UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

THOSE SPECIAL MEMORIES OF YOU WILL ALWAYS BRING A SMILE IF ONLY WE COULD HAVE YOU BACK FOR JUST A LITTLE WHILE.

THEN WE COULD JUST SIT AND TALK AGAIN LIKE WE USE TO DO YOU ALWAYS MEANT SO VERY MUCH AND ALWAYS WILL DO TOO.

THE FACT YOU ARE NO LONGER HERE WILL ALWAYS CAUSE US PAIN BUT YOU ARE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.

WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS

JUDY AND FAMILY

January 28, 2014

Thank you Tammy. we love you.

Judy Sykes

January 27, 2014

Love Tammy

January 25, 2014

We still think of Dale so often! He played at my step-father's Smoky Mountain Club and I loved to go hear him sing. He was such an awesome person. He even played for our personal occasions....... he continues to be missed.

Jan Wilson

December 10, 2013

Dear Judy,
Your words make me cry as I sit here and miss Dale so much. I sit on the porch a lot and look at the chair Dale always sat in, and I see him standing in our kitchen talking to Buddy and me. He is everywhere. Your words are profound and so moving and beautiful. It will be a joyful day when we can see your brother in Heaven and hear him sing to us again.
Love Susan

Susan Arnett

October 18, 2013

Sounds like something my brother would say:

AS I SIT IN HEAVEN AND WATCH YOU EVERYDAY. I TRY TO LET YOU KNOW WITH SIGNS THAT I NEVER WENT AWAY. I HEAR YOU WHEN YOU'RE LAUGHING AND WATCH YOU WHILE YOU SLEEP. I EVEN PUT MY ARMS AROUND YOU AND CALM YOU WHILE YOU WEEP. I SEE YOU WISH THE DAYS AWAY AND BEGGING TO HAVE ME HOME, SO I TRY TO SEND YOU SIGNS SO YOU KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE. SO DON'T FEEL GUILTY THAT YOU HAVE LIFE THAT WAS DENIED TO ME. HEAVEN IS TRULY BEAUTIFUL JUST YOU WAIT AND SEE. SO LIVE YOUR LIFE, LAUGH AGAIN, ENJOY YOURSELF, BE FREE. THEN I KNOW WITH EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE, YOU WILL BE TAKING ONE FOR ME...

Dale you are missed everyday.

Judy Sykes

October 16, 2013

It's been 6 years since you left us and we still speak of you everyday. We were listening to your gospel music the other day. Willy who was born 7 months after you left us looked up at his mamma with tears running down his face and said mamma is that Uncle Dale singing and she told him yes, he said" I miss him so much. You see you will never die in our hearts.

We Love and Miss you

Judy

September 27, 2013

Thinking of you today, Love Tammy

September 27, 2013

I was in a fast food restaurant recently and was mentally singing along with a song on the musac and realized it was "I'm Leaving It All Up To You" I don't hear it often but it still has an impact. Great voices and Dale is truly missed. Wonderful memories. Margo

August 21, 2013

Dale 6 yrs after you leave us, Mississippi finaly reconizes you and Grace in the new Mississippi Music Hall of Fame.

Judy Sykes

August 21, 2013

Judy, I just found this on the web at the library. Don't know if I had signed it back then, but here I am. Call sometimes. Johnny Koonse

August 20, 2013

Thank you Darlene, This is Judy, Dale's sister. Dale had so many friends and fans and he loved everyone of you. He had a great personality and was a good person.

Judy Sykes

July 22, 2013

To the Houston Family,
I knew Dale in the 1970's when he was working in Knoxville, TN. He was a super nice person. He made me an 8 track tape, that I still have. Would never part with it. I felt so bad when I learned of his passing. My thoughts and prayer are with you all.

Darlena Griffitts

July 18, 2013

Dale another one of our friends from knoxville, tn. has joined you in heaven.Larry Reid, you knew him well. You and Bill introduce him to all your friends in heaven.. wow what a band you guys must have.. always, becky

July 4, 2013

I think of you quite often and wish you were still here with us . Miss you and Bill alot..
Always, Becky
to Judy, I need to talk to you so please email me at [email protected]

Becky Tharp

July 4, 2013

Thinking of you today, love Tammy

June 30, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOVE TAMMY

April 23, 2013

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
WE LOVE AND MISS YOU!!!!

JUDY, TOM AND KIDS!

JUDY SYKES

April 23, 2013

Happy Easter Dale,
On this Easter Sunday Buddy & I were remembering you and missing you. You will always be in our memories and prayers.
Love, Susan

Susan Arnett

March 31, 2013

Tammy

February 19, 2013

Merry Christmas, Dale . Miss you as does all your friends and family. Grace Broussard LeBlanc

December 25, 2012

Still lives in memory and my heart. Tammy

December 24, 2012

Dale, I know we are still betting on football. Well L>S>U> is winning but not playing to good and the Saints, well we won't talk about them. I really do miss talking to you.
Grace Broussard

October 1, 2012

September 28, 2012

Thinking of you today, Love Tammy

September 27, 2012

It has been 5 yrs. since you left us. You are missed and thought of every day. So many things have changed and the family is still growing. The grandkids has written so many essays for school projects on their Uncle Dale. They will never let your memory die. We will always love you.

Judy, Tom and Grandchildren

September 27, 2012

I miss you so much, Dale. You were the best 5 years of my life. I look back on them fondly and treasure that time of being your wife.
Thank you for that, and God bless and keep you.
All my love,
Pat

Pat Houston

July 30, 2012

doesnt seem like it was too long ago we were going over songs to do. You are truely missed.
Grace

June 23, 2012

Thinking of you today

June 20, 2012

Gracias

Horacio Chacon

June 12, 2012

Tammy

April 27, 2012

Happy Birthday Dale, miss you.

April 23, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...... BIG BROTHER, LOVE AND MISS YOU....JUDY & TOM

JUDY SYKES

April 23, 2012

Tammy

March 25, 2012

You are welcome Judy, I will keep it online. Tammy

March 6, 2012

THANK YOU SO MUCH TAMMY!!

Tom and I just couldn't afford it this year.

Tom, Judy & grandkids

Judy Sykes

February 20, 2012

Paula and I still think of you often are are richer for having known you.

Jay McCaddin

February 19, 2012

Thinking of you......and all the memories with you and Bill....Becky

becky tharp

February 13, 2012

Dale,

All this week I've had you on my mind. Sometimes it just doesn't seem possible not to be able to pick up the phone and hear your voice, or answer it and you be on the other line. You are in my deepest thoughts and prayers. Susan

Susan Arnett

February 13, 2012

Thinking of you.

February 11, 2012

Tammy

November 10, 2011

Dale, You , Bill , and Red are probably playing with the big boys in Heaven... We miss you here. Becky, Bob, Terry and Robbie Stewart

becky tharp

July 21, 2011

IM just finding out about Dale and his music... IM so honoured to be signing this book in your memory...Love Donna

Donna Robertson

July 20, 2011

Oh Dale........We know you are with Christ. Our Nick is only 12 and in so much trouble. I just wish so much you were here on our front porch so we could talk about it........He is a Good boy, ...we miss you and only ask for your prayers now in Heaven now because you are so close to God...Love Susan

Susan Arnett

July 14, 2011

Thinking of you.

July 13, 2011

Paula and I think of you often and treasure the great memories we have of you. It's a honor to call you a friend.
Whenever we pass the Diamond Head exit on I-10 we give a wave to you.

Jay & Paula

Jay McCaddin

April 28, 2011

Happy Birthday a few days late Dale. My heart has not forgotten you, and never will. Buddy feels the same. On your birthday, we had our own personal family tragdey and that is the reason for this delay. You will always be loved and missed by The Arnett family.

Susan Arnett

April 26, 2011

Happy birthday Dale, also Happy easter. You are not forgotten by anyone. We miss you. I know you are making great music with a lot of your friends. Grace Broussard and T. J.

April 25, 2011

Yesterday was your Birthday, your neices and nephews, who adored you so much and misses you had you a party on the deck out back, by the pool. They put a large picture of you on the patio table, sang Happy Birthday to you and had refreshments. We all MISS and LOVE you so Much.

Judy

Judy Sykes

April 24, 2011

Happy,Happy Birthday Baby.

April 23, 2011

It just isn't the same without you here. Sure wish I could pick up the phone and call you or Bill like the old days. Or just go down to the recording studio and listen to you and Bill dreams. Now you have it all my friend.

Always, Becky

Becky Tharp

April 18, 2011

Rest in peace Dale. You are loved and missed.

Janice (Marty) Sanford Hartwig

April 17, 2011

You are not forgotten

April 16, 2011

I still miss you Dale! Sure wish you and Bill were still here! This world is a lonier place with you two guys. Love y ou , Becky

becky tharp

March 1, 2011

Went to see Jerry Lee and Percy Sledge, Louisiana Express, Saturday night. During the performances thought of how much you would enjoy this. Then i realized nothing can compare to Heaven. Thinking of you, Tammy

January 23, 2011

Hi Dale,
I kept thinking of you over the days Christmas and found it is still so hard to believe you are gone. Buddy & I often talk of our wonderful memories of your visits and great stories. It was like you were a big brother to me.
We will always miss you Dale. Rest in Peace in the arms of Christ in Paradise dear friend,
Love, Susan & Buddy

Susan Arnett

December 27, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS DALE!!

You would have really enjoyed the kids opening their presents this year.

Santa brought me a Music Machine and now I can get out my 45's of all the singles that you wrote and recorded and put them on a CD. I am so excited,
like Bobby Vee told me the last time I saw him, you may be gone, but will always live in your music.

WE LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!

Judy

JUDY SYKES

December 25, 2010

Tammy

December 24, 2010

Miss you

November 20, 2010

My Sweet Dale..............I have been thinking about you for the last several days. Buddy & I both miss you so very much and talk about our memories. You are a STAR in Heaven now..... that we all shared. RIP darling friend.......Susan Anett........Your friend & manager

PS........I will always look to the night sky....and see the bright blue blinking star named by me......Dale Houston

October 3, 2010

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