Note: Services will be held at Camp United Methodist Church (4807 Main St, Shallotte, NC 28470) on Saturday, 9/14/24.  Visitation will be 10:00 AM- 11:30 AM.  The funeral service will start at 11:30 AM. In honor of Ervin, please wear bright colors as he loved them so! In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lower Cape Fear Hospice (955 Mercy Lane SE, Bolivia, NC 28422) or your local church in his memory if you so feel led. For those who cannot attend the funeral physically, we will be livestreaming it so you can attend virtually. Facebook: Camp United Methodist Church, Shallotte, NC or Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CampUnitedMethodistChurch

The heavens rejoiced on April 11, 1939, when Ervin Hillard Houser was born. There is no doubt the good Lord smiled down, pleased with His creation of the sweet soul that would impact hundreds, if not thousands of lives.

He was born in Kings Mountain, NC to Lillian and Lawson Houser.  He was raised on Maple Street in a mill village.  His childhood was filled with squirrel hunting with his father, spending every bit of money he made on buying surprises for his Mama whom he loved dearly, playing with his pet pig who he so eloquently named Pig, and discussing the Bible with his father who knew it in and out. His work ethic began at a young age. He held many jobs in his early years.  He quit the football team in high school to pick up and deliver people’s dry cleaning. He was a lifeguard during summers, saving 47 people.  He even joined the National Guard to serve his country.

His life was changed on October 18^th, 1958.  He considered this day his second birthday.  As he dropped his mother off at revival at church, he had plans to end his life that very night.  A mother’s intuition kicked in as she begged and pleaded for him to join her for the church service. He relented.  That night the preacher preached, God Almighty spoke directly to Ervin and when the alter call came, he could not get there fast enough.  He gave his life to Christ, committed to his calling to be a preacher and was forever changed.

Ervin then met the love of his life at Kings Mountain High School.  Cupid’s arrow has never shot so hard. He saw that long blonde ponytail and fell in love with his soulmate, Pat Scruggs.  Within a year her name was changed to Pat Houser as they wed on July 3^rd, 1960. Their union was built on love, trust, putting God first and making any and all that came into their path or home feel loved.  Their house was a refuge for many over the years and bet your bottom dollar you never left hungry.  This year they celebrated 64 years of marriage. It’s evident to anyone who saw them together that their love is one of heavenly fairytales.

He began attending Wesleyan College to gain his education to become a minister.  He soon began seeking another denomination to be a part of and God guided him to the United Methodist Church.  He attended High Point College in 1964 when he and his Pat moved to High Point, NC.  He was associate pastor at his first church during this time and also became a substitute teacher.  He soon transferred to attend Duke University for Seminary School.

After 19 years of marriage, Pat and Ervin welcomed a baby girl, Hope Houser Brewer. A Father Daughter relationship was formed like no other.  He was a devoted, loving father…always present, always encouraging, always guiding the way, showing God’s love.  They loved talking together, praying together, laughing together and especially going to Daddy/Daughter breakfast together.

Throughout his successful 50 years of ministry, he was either the head pastor or associate pastor at 15 different churches.  His gift was growing churches, helping new folks feel comfortable enough to receive the love his Savior has to offer.  He visited folks in hospitals, in nursing homes, in their homes, wherever they needed him, he was there.  He retired from being a United Methodist minister not once, not twice but three times. To say he was lost without a congregation to lead is an understatement. He changed lives. He changed where people will spend eternity. He led with love in every move he made until his very last breath.

When he wasn’t busy changing lives, you could find him down at the shore, surf fishing. He would sometimes spend 18 hours a day there.  Or you might find him at the local hole in the wall restaurant in any small town knowing the name of every waitress there and possessing the ability to tell you the best item on the menu.  He loved to see people enjoy their food as though it was manna from heaven.  Or you might find him playing cards or games with friends, taking a trip to the beach or out to see a show with his bride. Or he could be on the phone counseling someone through their tough time.  Or helping a friend or maybe theologizing with his fellow preachers.  He loved life, he loved the friends in his life and most friends became family to him.  Thank you all for loving him, for seeing the special person he was.

Along the way he was blessed to welcome a son-in-law, David Brewer and two grand kids – Elizabeth (Libby) Brewer and Cameron (Cam) Brewer.  He loved and respected his son-in-law beyond measure.  For years he and his daughter had prayed for just the right man to enter the picture for her.  He knew David was an answered prayer and would often share his thoughts on this. Libby, Cam and Ervin developed a special relationship. He’s always loved children and children have loved him.  He knew they were closest to the Kingdom of Heaven and his own grandchildren were no exception.  He absolutely adored Libby and Cam.  They would play games together; watch shows together and create memories that felt Hallmark commercial worthy.

In his last years, his illnesses robbed him of being able to do many of the things he loved but his sweet spirit and love of the Lord and people never wavered.  He endured so much physically, mentally, and emotionally.  He tried so hard to get better here on earth, but his healing is now complete in Heaven. He clung to his faith even in his final days as he shared, he was ready to go home and Jesus said it was time. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and many friends and family.  He leaves behind a mass of people he loved dearly- a loving wife, daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, grandson, nieces, nephews, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, and friends that were considered family.

His healing came the morning of September 6^th. There is no doubt heaven rejoiced yet again, welcoming home the Lord’s good and faithful servant, a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend.  While we are heartbroken, we rejoice and find peace knowing he is healed, he is home.  Thank you, Lord, for the life, love and legacy of Ervin Hillard Houser.

"