Mr. Howard was born April 3, 1928 to James M. Howard and Daisy Ella Hawkins Howard in rural Chambers County Alabama. He was retired from Uniroyal/B.F. Goodrich in Opelika, and was a life-long member of Center Baptist Church in the Ridge Grove community; having served as a Sunday school teacher and Deacon.

 Mr. Howard is survived by his children, Steve (Patricia) Howard, Donnie Howard, and Libby White all of Lafayette, Al; Marie (Mike) Steele, Dadeville, Al; Peggy (Neil) Davis, Deatsville, Al; and Teresa (Lamar) Allen, Lake Jordan, Al; 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 1 brother, Franklin (Louise Howard) of Lafayette, Al; along with a large extended family including many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Erma Smith Howard; parents; grandson, Tony White; great-grandson, Mason Sims; brothers, Rev. Herbert Howard, Robert Howard, and Junior Howard; sisters, Janie Smith, Lois Smith, Zadie Bailey, and Patti Estes.