Born in Jeromesville, Ohio, he was the son of the late Landrum Thomas and Mary Ann Griswold Howard. He was an employee of Advantage Machinery Services in Yadkinville, N.C. He was a member of Mountain Valley Baptist Church in Saluda, where he served as a deacon and was a Gideon.

Surviving are his wife, Margie Jones Howard of the home; one son, Tommy Howard (Sandy) of Saluda; two grandchildren, Brandon Howard (Amber) and Victoria Howard, all of Saluda; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Merle Howard, who died April 11, 2008.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008 in Silver Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Mill Spring, with Rev. Freddie Siegfried and Dr. Chris Osborn officiating.

Memorials may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, Tenn., 37214-0800 or to Tribute Program, St. Jude Children&squo;s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn.,&bsp; 38105-1942.

The family will be at the home, 10140 Green River Cove Rd., Saluda.

An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel of Tryon is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary