He married Shirley Smith on Dec. 16, 1944.

His children are Lloyd (Joan) Howard of Campobello, Ruth (H.) Robinson of Inman, Ruby (Howard) Clark of Lima, Ohio, Bill (Debbie) Howard of Landrum and Pam (Dave) Neidhardt of Lima, Ohio. Grandchildren are Andy Howard, Jay Howard, Joshua Howard (deceased), Keith Robinson, Rodney Howard, Thomas Howard, Jacob Howard, Kayla Howard, Justin Howard, and step grandchildren are Jennifer (Brian) Schlosser, Eric Neidhardt and Andrew Neidhardt. Great grandchildren are Walker Lee Howard, Taye Townsend Robinson, Keira Howard and Lilly Kay Howard.&bsp; And he is survived by a brother, Whitley (Geneva) Howard of Harrod, Ohio.

Willie served his country in World War II from Jan. 1941 to Sept. 1945, training in Panama and serving with the 158th Combat Infantry, Bushmasters in the South Pacific. He was awarded numerous medals including 4 bronze

stars and 4 major hand-to-hand combat stars with honorable discharge.

He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion. He was a member of the Bricklayers Union for over 40 years.

He loved his country, was devoted to his family and was a member of Midway Baptist Church in Columbus.

The family will receive friends from 6 -8&bsp; p.m. Tuesday at Petty Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Petty Funeral Chapel, conducted by Rev. Gary Lockee. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Midway Baptist Church Youth Fund, the American Cancer Society, Multiple Myeloma Research Fund or the VFW.

The family is at the home.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

Petty Funeral Home and Crematory of Landrum is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary