Joe Houser's Obituary
Army WW2 Veteran D-Day Normandy
Joe Neill Houser, 94 of Huntersville, NC died August 24, 2019. He was born on September 11, 1924 in Mecklenburg County to the late Daniel and Florence Houser.
Mr. Houser loved this great country and dedicated his life, serving in many ways. In March of 1943, he volunteered for the Army, serving in the 497th Ordnance (MVA) Company as a Technician Fourth Grade. In September of 1943, Joe boarded “The Queen Mary” in the New York harbor and set sail for England. After his arrival in Ashchurch, he spent one year assembling trucks and other military vehicles in preparation for battle. He and another soldier had the task of assembling General Eisenhower’s Cadillac, which had been shipped in pieces in a crate. Joe was responsible for the wiring on the car, and was surprised and delighted when it actually cranked! In June of 1944, Joe and his unit landed at Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, where he was subsequently wounded. During the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944, Joe’s unit of 15 soldiers was pulled out to become guards for 750 German prisoners. Joe was awarded many medals for his wartime service, including 2 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart and received an honorable discharge in 1946. Immediately after the war, Joe enlisted in the Army Reserve where he served tirelessly for 40 years, earning the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, W-4.
In 1946, Joe accepted a position with Automotive Electric Associates, which later became Parts Depot. During his 60-year career there, he held several positions including Sales Representative and Warehouse Manager. He retired in 2006, after working there for 60 years.
In 1967, Joe was one of the founding fathers of the Gilead Volunteer Fire Department in north Mecklenburg County. In 1987, the Mecklenburg County Volunteer Fireman’s Association awarded Joe with Life Membership for 20 Years of Outstanding Fire Service.
Joe was a lifelong member of Gilead ARP Church, serving as Deacon and Elder for many years.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Mary; son, Daniel M. Houser and wife Ruth of Huntersville, NC; daughter, Robin Tolbert and husband Bradley of Denver, NC; grandchild, Daniel J. Houser and wife Taylor; great-grandchildren, Avery and Olivia.
Memorials can be made to the United Service Organizations (https://www.uso.org/), the Gary Sinise Foundation (https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/) or to the Gilead A.R.P. Church, Huntersville, NC.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 1 from 1:30-3:00 at Gilead A.R.P. Church, followed by funeral services at 3:00 PM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The Houser Family would like to thank Maria, Shannon, Irina, Sarah and Lynn for their kindness and attention to Joe while tending to Mary’s needs.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by James Funeral Home of Huntersville.
What’s your fondest memory of Joe?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joe?
Share a story where Joe's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joe you’ll never forget.
How did Joe make you smile?
