Gorman Houston, a former Alabama Supreme Court Justice and native of Eufaula, passed away at the age of 91. He’s being remembered by friends and colleagues as a beloved member of the court and a man of sincere selflessness. 

Houston was first appointed to the court in 1985 by Governor George Wallace. He was elected to three six-year terms and retired from the court in 2005. In 2003, he became acting Chief Justice of the court after Roy Moore was removed from the position.

“Justice Houston truly cared not only about the individual cases that he ruled on, but he also cared about the administration of justice,” former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb said. “After former Chief Justice Roy Moore was removed, Justice Houston took over the court and did an outstanding job as the acting chief justice.”

“He cared about indigent defense. Anyone who knew him, knew that he was a true warrior for those who were less fortunate to have better access to the court. He truly cared about civility and about professionalism and was just a tremendous public servant.”

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama also mourned the loss of a “friend and neighbor, the Honorable Gorman Houston.” 

“Justice Houston served the citizens of Alabama for many years on the Alabama Supreme Court. In 2022, the Middle District of Alabama was honored to take the oral history of Justice Houston, and we invite you to join us in remembering the legacy and distinguished service of Justice Houston. We extend our deepest sympathy and well wishes to Mrs. Houston, her children, and grandchildren,” a spokesperson for the district said.

Will Sellers, a sitting Associate Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, named Houston as a mentor to himself and many others.

“He was a paragon of integrity, courage, and legal prowess. Alabama’s judicial system gained so much from his leadership and selfless service when he served as acting chief justice when Chief Justice Moore was removed from office. He left a great legacy for lawyers and judges to emulate.”

“In our world of divisive politics, Justice Houston was a servant leader who sacrificed much to maintain the integrity of Alabama’s Judicial system.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten