Herbert Houston Gossett

Houston “Fats” Gossett, 87, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Born April 26, 1936 to the late Leo and Elizabeth Gossett, he was raised in Roebuck, SC. Houston was married to the late Patricia Painter Gossett, and together they established their home in Crawford Circle, Fairforest, SC. A 1957 graduate of Roebuck High School, Houston was renowned as a three-sport star athlete, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football. Following his graduation, he served in the United States Army, where he distinguished himself as a Mess Sergeant and contributed his talents to the Army baseball team. Houston's passion for sports extended throughout the rest of his life. His love for fast-pitch softball was evident, and Berry Field in Spartanburg will always hold a special piece of his heart, commemorated by a brick in honor of his dedicated years on the field. His prowess in the sport led him to be inducted into the SC Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. Notably, Houston was known as a switch-pitcher, showcasing his versatility and talent on the mound. His love of cooking also persisted after his days in the Army, and he especially enjoyed making his famous “hash" every 4th of July. Described as having the brightest blue eyes and a great sense of humor, Houston was truly one of a kind. Those who knew him often remarked that "God broke the mold" after creating him. Despite his occasional impatience, Houston had a heart of gold, and to know him was to love him. He had a genuine love for people, and he warmly embraced everyone he met. In his work life, Houston was a valued member of the Kohler Company packing department for over 40 years. In his leisure time, Houston enjoyed simple pleasures, smoking Phillies Blunt Cigars in the sun, savoring Natural Light during the summer months, and indulging in a CC and Coke during the winter season. A devoted grandfather, he found immense joy in watching his grandsons carry on his baseball legacy at Blythewood High School. Houston leaves behind many who will miss him, including his daughters, Kim Philbeck (Deno) of Gaffney, SC, Tammy Graves (Danny) of Rowley, MA, and Amy Penfield (Les) of Blythewood, SC; seven grandchildren, Matt Gentry, Sam Reynolds, Adam Reynolds, Daniel Graves, Rebecca Coccia, Landon Penfield, and Cooper Penfield; eight great-grandchildren; and sisters, Betty Jo Lee and Minnie Pearl Mathis. He was predeceased by his brothers, Jay Gossett, Dewey Gossett, and Junior Gossett; and sisters, Jeanette Lynch and Helen Ravan. Visitation will be held 4:00-6:00pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024 in Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC 29376. Funeral services will be 11:00am on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Dunbar Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by The Reverend Sam Reynolds. Entombment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Heritage Mausoleum, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. In honor of Houston, memorial contributions may be made to Blythewood High School Bengals Baseball Booster Club, PO Box 1, Blythewood, SC 29016.