Mr. Herman Vance Houston Jr., 88 years old of Rock Hill, South Carolina, better known as Vance, Daddy, Papa and Pop Pop, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 22, 2025.
Vance was born in Washington DC on January 26, 1937 to Herman Vance Houston Sr. and Madge Hogue Houston. He and his parents relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina and his family grew to having three younger brothers. He attended Myers Park High School, which was where he began his athletic career. Vance was an outstanding and dedicated athlete in track/field and football. During his years at Myers Park High School, he and his teams broke state records and his performance led to a football offer to Clemson University in 1955.
After college, Vance voluntarily enlisted in the Army and served our country in Korea and Japan. His athletic ability allowed him to participate on the Army track team. Shortly after relocating back to Charlotte, he met Patricia Ann Currie of Chadbourn, North Carolina, who was attending Queens College. Their love began on a blind date over pizza. After Patricia graduated from Queens, they married April 2, 1961 in Chadbourn, North Carolina. Not much longer after marriage, he attended UNC Pembroke graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Business and was awarded Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.
Vance worked for many years in the textile industry, but was always determined to create his own path and build something for himself. As he and Pat began building a life of their own, they were blessed to welcome three loving children Van, Fran and John. In 1987, his dream of becoming an entrepreneur came true when he opened his first Subway sandwich restaurant. The business blossomed into 15 locations and became a staple in the community that led him to being inducted into the Subway Hall of Fame. His work ethic, determination and tenacity paved the way into a large family business.
Vance believed because of his presence, service and devotion to the Lord, his blessings were many. He believed his biggest gifts were his family. His favorite role was being a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids, never failing to be present at all of their activities and achievements, showing them how to live through Christ first and always.
Vance was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Madge Houston Sr, his brother, William Sherwood Houston, and his son, Herman Vance Houston III. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Currie Houston; his daughter, Frances Currie Houston Wright(Frankie Wright), his son, John Benton Houston(Tiffany Houston); his grandchildren, Farrah Wright Hall (Kevin Hall) Fallyn Wright Floyd (Jerry Floyd), Faith Caroline Wright Sheley (Ryan Sheley), Kaytlin Houston, Franci Wright, Grady Houston, his great grandchildren, Fletcher Floyd, Felder Hall, Frances Hall, and Elizabeth Sheley and his brothers, Mike Houston (Charla) and Harris Houston (Dee).
The familly will receive friends on Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 4:30-6:00 pm at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 11:00 am at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1320 India Hook Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732 with Dr. Mike Honeycutt officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of these foundations in Vance’s memory; Keystone Substance Abuse Services, www.keystoneyork.org and/or the Children’s Attention Home, www.attentionhome.org both of Rock Hill.
Condolences may be made to the Houston family at www.greenefuneralhome.net.