Willie J. Howard was born August 17, 1924 in Salters, SC. Willie was a son of the late Robert Lee Howard and Josephine Howard.  He departed this life surrounded by his family and friends at home, Sunday, August 21, 2016.

He accepted Christ at an early age. He first joined St. Michael Reformed Episcopal Church. He later moved his membership to Mt. Pisgah Pentecostal Holiness Church, but returned his membership to St. Michael Reformed Episcopal Church in recent years.

He was known for his love of gardening and his strong love for his family and friends. He retired from Georgia Pacific and was affectionately known to all as 'Partner'.

He was joined in holy matrimony on April 29, 1949 to Dorothy Mazyck. To this union four children were born.  He was preceded in death by two sons, Curtiss Howard and Johnny Lee Howard; stepfather, Steadman Addison; four stepsisters and four stepbrothers.

He leaves to mourn in his passing: his devoted wife, Dorothy M. Howard; sons, Eugene Howard and Christopher Howard (Sherry); daughter, Clarissa Mitchell (Anthony); sister, Eliza Giwa; brother, Robert Howard; faithful daughters-in-law, Mary Howard and Geraldine Scott; ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; three brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law and a host nieces, nephews and friends.