William Hal (Hal) Howard

Mr. William Hal Howard, 95, of Statesville, passed away Thursday, April 27, 2017, at Iredell Memorial Hospital.  Mr. Howard was born January 24, 1922, in Iredell County and was the son of the late Claude and Myrtle Mayberry Howard.  He was a graduate of Union Grove High School. Mr. Howard was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during WWII.  He was proud to serve his country.  Mr. Howard was stationed on the USS Taluga as an electrician.   He returned from active duty in June 1946 and on August 17, 1946, he married his sweetheart, Cecile Snow and together they shared 70 years of marriage until his death. He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher and helped with the RA’s when Brad was a child.  He retired from J.C. Penney Distribution and was a part-time farmer prior to retirement. Mr. Howard was a special man, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  His passion for serving God was demonstrated through his work at Fairview Baptist Church.  Hal was very instrumental in the lives of his children and grandchildren.  He led by example and presented himself with character and dignity.  He will be missed by all who knew him. Mr. Howard was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Howard. In addition to his wife of 70 years, Hal is survived by two sons, Mike Howard (Trudy) of Union Grove and Brad Howard (Jackie) of Thurmond, NC.  He is also survived by three grandsons, Brian Howard (Amy) of Union Grove, Adam Howard (Marissa) of Raleigh, NC and Chase Howard of Maryville, TN and one granddaughter, Rebekah Howard of Morganton, NC.  He is further survived by three great grandchildren, Karlie, Will, and Everette Howard along with one brother, John Howard of Union Grove, a sister, Claudette Feimster of Olin and a sister-in-law Gwennie Howard of Union Grove. Funeral services honoring the life of Hal Howard will be conducted at 4:00 PM Sunday, April 30, 2017, at Fairview Baptist Church with Dr. Scott Eanes and Pastor Paul Hill officiating.  Burial will follow in the Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Union Grove.  The family will visit with friends from 3:00 until 4:00 PM at Fairview. Memorials may be made to Fairview Baptist Church, 349 Turnersburg Hwy, Statesville, NC 28625 Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Hal Howard.