Cherry Ottis Houston

Cherry “Ottis” Houston, 93 of Lake City, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026 at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville following a sudden illness. He was born on May 10, 1932 in Early County, Georgia, the 7th of 9 children to the late Cherry Iverson Houston and Ruby Holley Houston. Mr. Houston served our country and was a veteran of the United States Army. He attended Georgia Southwestern State University, Florida State University, where he earned his Masters Degree and earned his Doctorate Degree from Nova Southeastern University. Throughout his career, Mr. Houston held several positions as a teacher, including a time in Paris, France, a coach, a principle and retiring as the Assistant Superintendent of Columbia County School System. Mr. Houston enjoyed growing and hybridizing daylilies, horticulture and was the owner of Countryside Daylilies. Among his many qualities, Integrity, kindness and generosity are at the top. Following retirement, he loved to travel and spend time with his family and grandchildren. Mr. Houston was preceded in death by his 8 siblings; and his wife of 57 years, Mary Anne Williams Houston.

Survivors include his two sons, Jeff Houston and Betsy of Jacksonville and Greg Houston and Kim of Lake City; four grandchildren, Hunter Houston and Ana, Cassidy Cardenas and Josh, Haley Houston and Clay Houston; a host of nieces, nephews and many other loving relatives and friends.

A private ceremony for Mr. Houston will be held at a later date. We find peace and comfort in knowing that Dad’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared and the memories we will cherish forever. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Lake City or the Parkinson’s Foundation.