10/12/2026
Holding Judge Johnny Houston and his family in our hearts today. Johnny left an indelible mark on our community, and we will forever be grateful for the time we were blessed to share with him here in Red Bank ❤️🩹
Red Bank Mourns the Passing of Longtime City Judge Johnny D. Houston, Jr.
RED BANK, TN – The City of Red Bank mourns the passing of longtime City Judge Johnny D. Houston, Jr., who died Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Judge Houston was first appointed to serve as Red Bank City Judge in 2000 and subsequently was elected to three consecutive eight-year terms, most recently winning reelection in August 2022.
For more than 25 years, Judge Houston was a familiar and respected presence in Red Bank. His roots in the community preceded his judicial service. He previously served as president of the Red Bank Chamber of Commerce and coached youth sports in Red Bank and North Chattanooga.
His connection to Red Bank was also evident in the everyday places where people knew him. In recent years, he could frequently be found enjoying Red Bank’s pickleball courts. His law practice was distinctly Red Bank as well, located in a beautiful historic home along Dayton Boulevard. Those connections made him more than the City Judge. He was very much a part of the everyday life of the community he served.
“Johnny Houston gave an extraordinary portion of his life to Red Bank,” said City Manager Martin Granum. “For more than two decades, generations of Red Bank residents knew him as Judge Houston, but they also knew him as a neighbor, attorney, coach, and familiar face around town. His passing marks the end of a remarkable period of service to our city, and we will remember him with gratitude and love. Our thoughts are especially with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Judge Houston graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1986 and Memphis State University Law School in 1989. He had been a Chattanooga-area resident since 1989 and maintained his law practice in Red Bank.
"My sincerest condolences to Casey and Judge Houston's family,” said Red Bank City Judge Bryan Hoss. “For years, Judge Houston was a pillar in our legal community here in Hamilton County. He loved representing Red Bank as their Judge and was not only well respected, but many of us considered him a dear friend and colleague. For me personally, it was an honor when Red Bank asked me to step into his shoes as the next Judge. Rest in peace, Johnny."
The City of Red Bank extends its deepest sympathies to Judge Houston’s family and joins the broader community and legal community in mourning his passing, celebrating his life and recognizing his many years of dedicated service to Red Bank.