Obituary of William H. Houston, III

William “Bill” H. Houston, III was born in Memphis, Tennessee on July 7, 1934 and died on May 19, 2024. He was predeceased by his wife, Susan Miller Houston and his son Richard Cobb Miller Houston. He is survived by his son, William “Will” H. Houston, IV (Elizabeth) and his two granddaughters Liliane “Lily” Lanier Houston and Sanna Valentine Houston of Kensington, MD.

Although he has lived overseas since 1985, Bill has always considered himself a Mississippian. He grew up in Tunica, MS, and graduated from Kentucky Military Institute, Lyndon, KY, and Washington & Lee University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He engaged in agricultural operations in Tunica until 1985 and served as chairman of the Delta Council in 1980. In 1986, he moved to Washington, D.C., to serve in the Reagan administration as chief negotiator for textiles in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (with the rank of Ambassador). In subsequent years he worked as a consultant at Sorini, Samet & Associates.

Bill enjoyed visiting close friends and led an active social and sporting life. After playing tennis since childhood, he took up golf in his 60s due to an injury. He fell in love with it and never looked back, playing golf regularly and passionately until just a few months before his death.

The family will hold a private funeral. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the charity of your choice.