James "Aubrey" Houghton

James “Aubrey” Houghton, a true Southern gentleman, passed away peacefully at Lakewood Manor in Richmond, Virginia on Wednesday, March 12 at the age of 99. Aubrey was born on August 28, 1925 in Portsmouth, Virginia to the late Viola Deans Houghton and Carl Clifford Houghton, Jr. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean Warren Houghton and his only sibling, Dr. Raymond Curtis Houghton.

Although Aubrey spent most of his early years in Portsmouth, being the son of a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy, he lived in San Pedro, California and Washington DC for several years. After attending college at Virginia Tech, Aubrey returned with full intentions to make Portsmouth his permanent home. Meanwhile, he met the love of his life, Jean, they married in June 1948 and remained in Portsmouth for only 8 years.

Aubrey’s love of community led him to devote more than 38 years of his life to civil service. He served the City of Portsmouth from 1951 to 1956 and was the City Manager of South Boston, Virginia from 1956 to 1989, one of the longest tenures of city managers in the state. During his long career in South Boston, he was the catalyst that led to many economic achievements for both the city and Halifax County. He played a key role in the industrial development on Route 58 and paid close attention to the businesses and industries that located, expanded and flourished in South Boston. Although time and a changing economic world have led to the demise of many of these industries, a fitting tribute to his endeavors led to the establishment of the J. Aubrey Houghton Industrial Park on Hamilton Blvd. in South Boston. In the mid-1980’s, he oversaw the downtown revitalization program that modernized the streets and utilities in the historic downtown district.

The extent of Aubrey’s contributions was clearly evident in his membership and participation in professional and volunteer organizations. Upon his retirement, the City Council recognized his tireless efforts on behalf of the Halifax Country Chamber of Commerce where he served for over 25 years. They also cited his work as an initiator in the formation of the joint city/county Economic Development Commission as well as participation and leadership in the Halifax-South Boston Community Hospital Board of Directors, the Southside Planning District Commission, the South Boston Planning Commission, and the Danville Regional Airport Commission. The City Council praised his contributions to more jobs for the area, an improved and diversified tax base, better health care, better community planning, and improved municipal service.

On June 29, 1999, Aubrey was awarded Life Membership in the Virginia Local Government Management Association where he was an active participant and leader since 1951, including serving as its President in 1976-77. His statewide recognition as an exceptional public administrator resulted in him serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Supplemental Retirement System from 1977 to 1989, and as a member of the Virginia Municipal League, Effective Government Policy Committee and the City/County Annexation Task Force.

In addition to his busy professional and volunteer life, Aubrey found time to relax. He enjoyed a game of golf and was an avid reader of nonfiction. He loved people, enjoyed a good conversation and was an observant listener. When he needed to “get away from it all,” he got on his riding lawn mower and cut the grass. The backyard was his retreat and oasis with many flowering shrubs along a backdrop of dense forest. He was a gentleman of the highest caliber as he embodied the spirit of common decency, generosity, and humility.

Aubrey is survived by two daughters, Nancy Houghton Carrig and her husband, Kevin, and Betty Houghton Blount, five grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. The grandchildren are Emily Carrig Carson and husband Brec of Raleigh, North Carolina; Kevin John (Jack) Carrig and wife Dy of Chappaqua, New York; John Bruce Blount Jr. and wife Kate of Bronxville, New York; Lucy Carrig Jewell and husband Lee of Richmond, Virginia; and Elizabeth Blount Arnold and husband Chris of Alexandria, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to the memory of James Aubrey Houghton may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, 800 North Main Street, South Boston - Halifax County Fine Arts Museum of History, PO Box 383, and the South Boston Fire Company, 403 Broad Street. All are in South Boston VA 24592.

There will be a Memorial Service for Aubrey at the First Presbyterian Church in South Boston VA on Monday, March 24 at 12:00 pm. A private graveside service will be held by the family.

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomeinc.com or by visiting their Facebook page.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, 1603 Wilborn Ave, South Boston, VA 24592