Wayside - Rufus Newton Houchins, 96, of Wayside, and former Principal of Greenville High School, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2014, after a valiant battle with Parkinson's Disease. The love of his life and wife of 70 years, Helen Allen Houchins, was by his side and holding his hand when he went to be with Jesus.

Rufus was born in Wayside, WV, on January 31, 1918, to Clint and Laura Houchins. He graduated from Greenville High School, earned a bachelor's degree and played basketball at Concord College, and earned a master's degree from West Virginia University. In 1940 he began his career in education, teaching math and coaching 6-man football at Union High School.   He served in the United States Army from 1943 to 1945. After discharge, in 1945 he returned to teaching and coaching at Greenville High School, teaching math and biology and coaching 6-man football, baseball, and basketball.   In 1959, Rufus became the principal of Greenville High School, where he remained through its reduction to a junior high in 1967, until his retirement in 1980. During his 40-year career, in many cases he taught multiple generations from the same family. In Monroe County, he was widely admired for his entrenched ethics, supportive style, and firm but consistent discipline. His dogged pursuit of knowledge and education was passed on to his daughter and his two grandchildren, both of whom achieved advanced professional degrees, and who delighted in debating the issues of the day with their well-informed Grandpa. He enjoyed all of the trappings of his longevity, developing close relationships with his daughter, both grandchildren, and all five of his great-granddaughters, who will miss his keen historical insight, knowledge, and endless interesting stories. He was also a member of the Wayside United Methodist Church at Wayside.

Other pursuits also brought great joy across the span of his long life: owning, operating, and playing Setback with customers at his and Helen's Wayside Store, playing croquet with his brothers and friends, watching WVU Mountaineer football and basketball and Cincinnati Reds baseball, and running. Rufus became a runner before exercise and running became a fad, and he chased finish lines in competitive races well into his 70s, to include more than 25 races. When his legs were no longer suited to run, he continued his rigorous daily calisthenics routine and walked until he could no longer walk for exercise, at which time he turned to a stationary bike, which he was still riding for an hour every day well into his mid-90s.

Rufus is survived by his wife, Helen Allen Houchins; daughter, Patricia Houchins Jones and her husband, Marshall Jones; grandson, Christopher Jones and his wife Tina Jones; granddaughter, Leah Jones; and five great-granddaughters, Taylor Keeling, Lori-Mae Jones, Ashton Jones, Kiersten Keeling, and Madison Keeling. He was preceded in death by his parents and by five sisters and four brothers.

The family will welcome friends, former students, and all visitors on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014 from 6-8PM, at Groves Funeral Home in Union. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014 at 11AM at Wayside United Methodist Church with Rev. Terry Utterback officiating. Burial will follow in the Wayside Cemetery following. The family welcomes all to a luncheon and celebration of life at the Wayside Community Center following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Parkinson's Disease Foundation at www.pdf.org or to Greenbrier Valley Hospice, Inc. at 223 Maplewood Ave, Lewisburg, WV 24901.