Jackey Howard

Heading: Jackey Howard (Veteran) Dateline: Travelers Rest Jackey was called home to be with his Lord and Savior and other loved ones on November 20, 2008. We know now he will be eternally free from pain. He was born to the late Colel and Pearlie Howard on September 22, 1947 as the eighth of nine children. He lived his early childhood in the Glassy Mountain area, where he told us of many adventures he had climbing around on Glassy and the surrounding areas with his siblings. As time passed, Jackey and his family moved to Groce Meadow Road in Taylors where he attended Mountain View Elementary and Blue Ridge High School. He later received his GED and attended Rutledge College. He proudly served and defended his country in Vietnam in 1967-68, for which he earned many honors. As a result of his service in Vietnam, he was disabled. He often told of carrying a small Testament in his pocket and knowing his mother was praying for him. In January of 1971, he married Kathy Sudduth. Jackey was a loving father, grandfather, husband, and brother; most of all, he was a great witness for the love of Jesus Christ. He was a logger before he became an employee of J.P. Stevens in Taylors, where he later became a supervisor over the Dye House. As years went by, he became the owner of Howard Pallet Company. He was a success at many things, but most of all it was his desire to always let people know, “He was only where he was in life because God had blessed him so much.” Jackey learned to play guitar at an early age and began using his talent for the Lord faithfully in 1986 when he rededicated his life to God at Lima Church of God. He played with various gospel groups until he and his family started to sing themselves and continued to do so until his health no longer permitted it. Singing of God’s love and grace always brought him such joy. Even as his health continued to fail, he had a way of lifting up those who visited him. When asked how he was, one of his favorite phrases in the early years of his illness was, “Wonderful, just wonderful.” He would tell you what he thought and always let you know what he stood for. If asked how to do or fix something, he would gladly show or tell you. There was nothing he couldn’t fix, from a bump on the head to rebuilding a motor. His greatest desire was to attend church as long as he was physically able. He was a member of Oneal Church of God. Jackey left us with many memories and love for us all, along with the hope that we would all see him soon. He left many friends who will greatly miss him and his smile and love. He left his wife of 37 years, Kathy; his son, Tommy, who he taught so many things in this life; his daughter-in-law, Sonya; his daughter, Elaine, who will always be her daddy’s little girl; and his son-in-law, Tony, who was his “Elrod.” He has also left behind the joy and light of his life, his grandchildren: Samantha, who was his special angel; Savannah, his little Elaine; Taylor, his little Elle-Mae; Joshua, his little Bubba; Lauren, his little cook; and Stephanie, the little one who even at seventeen would sit in his lap. All of his grandchildren always respected and had a hug and kiss for him. They never failed to tell him they loved him. In addition, Jackey left Casey, his little Willimina, who was such joy to him; Chris, his Herman, who was his fisherman; and Dean and Teresa Bryant, who were like a brother and sister to him. Also was Betty Dowers, his special Red headed girl friend. He had three brothers to leave before him, Clifford, Charles, and Calvin. He leaves his sister, Dolly Alexander, who he loved to aggravate; Dolly’s new husband, Bob, who had become a special friend of Jackey’s; his sister, Elizabeth Mullinax, who along with her family (Jabo, Myra, Polly, Casey, and Lacy) would visit and call faithfully; his sister, Sylvia Yearwood, who he always visited for coffee before his illness. He also left behind two brothers, Clyde and Machelle Howard of Travelers Rest and Curley and Josie Howard of Greer. He is leaving behind twenty-four nieces and nephews. Jackey will always be remembered as having much love for his family, but most of all as a true and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be held 12:00 p.m. Saturday at Oneal Church of God, conducted by Rev. Joel Poole. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Gardens. The family will be at the home where they will also receive friends. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Jackey Howard

September 22, 1947 - November 20, 2008