Rest in Peace: Cecil Houston

Cecil Houston, the beloved band leader at Jackson High School, passed away this week.

The 36-year-old is survived by his wife and children.

"The 5th Quarter" — the Wake — will be held at Clark Atlanta University's Cornelius L. Henderson Student Center at the corner of James P. Brawley Dr. SW and Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard, on Monday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m.

The Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at Elizabeth Baptist Church, 4245 Cascade Road SW.

Mr. Houston, who left a legacy at Jackson and Clark Atlanta University is remembered as a dedicated and devoted person to his family, school and community.

Richard Williams, the Engineering & Early College Academy Leader at Jackson, told East Atlanta Patch that Houston was a "great person, loving husband and doting father."

He was equally as dedicated to the band, Williams said.

"He really came in and worked hard to rebuild the band program and really had it moving in a positive direction."

Mr. Houston also was part of the music life at Clark Atlanta Univiersity where he was percussion instructor.

He co-wrote "Phunk-a-Delic (Part 1)" with Aaron Bentley, which the Clark Atlantic University Drumline performed in the 2002 film "Drumline."

Please share your memories of Mr. Houston in the comments section below.

SEE ALSO:

• 'He Made Me Proud to be Part of the Marching Jags Family'
• The Jackson High School Marching Jags' Creed