SSG Gerald Kenneth "Gerry" Houghtaling

Gerald Kenneth “Gerry” Houghtaling, 70, of Lexington, went to his heavenly home on, Sunday October 6, 2019 at his residence.

Born in Vestal New York on July 26, 1949, he was the son of the late Arthur G. Houghtaling and Violet L. Boyles Houghtaling.

Gerald retired with 20 years in the US Army where he was a Green Beret during the Vietnam War and was awarded the following medals;  National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Driver Badge, Mechanic Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon-2, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon-2, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal-7, Army Commendation Medal, Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle, Sharpshooter Qualification Badge M-14, Expert Qualification Badge .45 Cal. Pistol, before his retirement from the military.   Gerry also was a firefighter throughout his life.  He was a Master Mason while in Missouri and New York, he also attended Pratical Bible College later known as Davis Bible College in Johnson City, New York.  Gerry was an evangelist minister while in New York and was ordained through the Assembly of God.

In addition to his parents Gerald was preceded in death by his sister; Jean L. Granger.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Diana Lynn Nifong Houghtaling, sons, Jeremy Kenneth Houghtaling of Lexington, NC and Rick Houghtaling (Katrin) of Fürth Germany, daughters; Trish Gray (Glen) of Jacksonville, FL, Heidi Moretz  (Kenny McGee) of Winston-Salem, NC and Gretchen Houghtaling of Newland, NC brother; Charles A. Houghtaling (Connie) of Front Royal, VA, sisters;  Susan A. Stevens (Barry) and Irene L. Saunders (William) both of Johnson City, New York and, grandchildren; Dacey Houghtaling, Faith Houghtaling, Grace Houghtaling, Toby Houghtaling, Jaslyn Gray, Tyler Mathis and Alaina Mathis, and his fur babies; Buster, Tillie and Sadie special friends; Sharon Doyle and Audrey Fish.

Funeral: Graveside service will be held 2:00 PM October 18, 2019, at the Salisbury National Cemetery 501 Statesville Blvd., Salisbury, NC  28144 with the Rev. Ron Pennino officiating.  Military Honors will be conducted by the Lyerly Joint Services Honor Guard.

Memorials: Can be made to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC  27292 or to   St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678.

 The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Christine McCarty, and Linda Theuerkorn, NP and the wonderful staff at Randolph Cancer Center, also to Hospice of Davidson County his nurse Melissa Ray and his CNA Mary Manor, and also to Heidi Moretz for her wonderful care.

Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Houghtaling family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.

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