Gillaaron "Gill" Houck
April 2, 1947 ~ February 25, 2016
Resided in:
Fairview, NC
Gillaaron "Gill" Houck passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty Houck, his son, Joshua Houck, his daughters, Amy Johnson (Troy), Misty Petak (Rod), Hope Lam (Gavin), and his grandchildren, Trey, Walker, Ashley, and the newest one on the way, Liam; and his brothers, Bob Houck (Marsha) and Dan Houck (Joie), and his nieces and nephew, Jessica Martin (Michael), Jasmine Houck, and Chris Houck, and his great nieces, Callie and Emmalyn and great nephews, Parker and Rowan, and another one on the way.
Gill graduated from Avondale High School in Avondale Estates, Georgia in 1965 then served in the Marine Corps. After his service, he went on to perform as an actor and for the majority of his life served as a small business owner.
To everyone who knew him, he was larger than life and full of "Little Known Facts," some of which may be true. Did you know that he was the first person to sell hermit crabs as pets to a pet store in Key West? As a member of the famous Fairview "Flying Rock Band," he was able to bring his hippie roots to life by sharing stories of his hitchhike to Woodstock while doing spot-on imitations of Johnny Mathis and Burl Ives. However, we all knew his real talents: a high-tech redneck and an actor – "starring" in the likes of The Dukes of Hazzard, Wise Blood, Laughing at the Moon, and more. You most likely knew him as "The Santa" everyone knew and loved - with or without his Santa suit – bringing joy to thousands of girls and boys, young and old, for over 20 years in Asheville, NC.
He was a long-standing Santa for Biltmore Forest Country Club, the Biltmore Estate, Asheville Mall, and in the Carolina Mountain Christmas Spectacular at Biltmore Baptist Church - but his favorite Santa role was working with foster children in Asheville. Above all, he was an outstanding husband, father and grandfather.
Gill thoroughly enjoyed the online services of Biltmore Baptist Church in Arden, NC. And now, while he may not have been ready to go, we know he is thrilled to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
His family will be gathered from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Monday, February 29, 2016 in the Fellowship Hall of Biltmore Baptist Church, 35 Clayton Road in Arden. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 PM and the remainder of the three hour period will serve as visitation time.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that gifts be directed to your local foster care centers or the Online Ministry of Biltmore Baptist Church.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
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I am very sorry to learn of the loss of this kind and funny man. Although I did not know him well, the times that I was with him, he was funny, interesting, caring, and never boring. To Betty and the children and grandchildren, Dan, Bob, Joie, Jasmine, Jessica and to all of your family, I send my condolences and prayers on losing someone so important and loved to you. You’ll hear all kinds of platitudes about healing and such for the next few weeks. The best thing to focus on (in my humble opinion) is that Gill is no longer in pain, discomfort or uncertainty. His faith in God assures him that he is now made whole again, his body is no longer laboring and his health is no longer his focus. He is with God now and doesn’t have to worry about anything anymore, and you will see him again one day in love and in light. God bless your family.
I spent many hours talking to Gill at C C Dickson and loved him dearly,was always happy to see him & Josh come in,and Bob & I would go listen to him play music,such a smart man ,he will be SO missed
I always felt that Gill was a true Santa. He was feisty and funny with a heart of gold. He was our Santa with my first stint as parade director of the Asheville Holiday Parade and he and I became fast friends. My heart has a void with him gone but I will fill it with memories of a generous, giving, kind, talented and humble man.
My sincerest condolences to Betty, Misty and the entire family on Gill’s passing.
I loved listening to Gill sing, anything……His voice was one that I will never forget and I would doubt that many who heard it will either. I am truly sorry for his loss.. May God help you as you go through this hard time to remember all of the good times.
betty, I am so very sorry for your and your family’s loss I treasure a photo that was taken when he was at the VAMC he will be missed very much
Hi Betty and Family,
I don’t know if you will remember me or not, but I was at Bent Creek when you guys were there. I am now the Lead Pastor of North Point Community Church in Columbia, SC.
I have very fond memories of my time with Gill and all those stories…never did know if they were all on the level or not…guess I will just have to wait until Heaven to find out.
He was an incredibly gifted man and I am glad to hear he was faithful to Christ right up until the end of his life on earth.
May God richly bless you during this time of loss and know that my prayers are with you!
My prayers go out to the family of Gill he will be missed
My condolences to Santa Gill’s family. You do not know me but I was one of the Santa’s who worked at the Estate when Gill was the main Santa. His portrayal of Santa was admired by all the staff as well as the multitude of children he as touched over the years. May his last sleigh ride be met with clear skies and his bag always full.
Semper Fi
Santa Jim Lewis