William "Fred" Houk, Jr.

William “Fred’ Houk, Jr., 80, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2015.  Born in Burke County, NC on April 4, 1935, he was the son of the late William Fred Houk, Sr. and Florence Baker Houk.  Fred was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served with the military police.  He retired from General Electric in Hickory with nearly 30 years of service.  Fred enjoyed his retirement by farming and fishing.

Loved by everyone, Mr. Houk is survived by his sons, Robert Houk and his wife, Kathleen, of Morganton, James Houk of Morganton, and David Houk and his wife, Susie, of Nebo, NC; a daughter, Doris Chancy and her husband, James, of Morganton; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Ellen Moretz and her husband, Clyde, of Hickory.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Rilla Mae Cobb Houk; and two grandchildren, Brandy Clark and Jamie Lee Houk.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 12:00 p.m., Monday, August 10, 2015 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Rocky Reese and the Rev. Sid Houk officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the N.C. National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 5388 Mt. Olive Church Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.