Mr. Willie B. Howard, Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama to the proud parents of Willie B. Howard, Sr., and Katie Mae Howard. He passed in a local hospital, leaving a devoted wife, Dorothy Howard.
During Willie’s 70 years he was blessed and is survived by a devoted immediate family circle. His survivors are three children, Laticia (Ryan) Bleck of Hicksville, Ohio; Marci and William Howard of Mesa, Arizona. Four grandchildren, Michael & Emma Bleck; and Zolie & Malcolm Howard. A niece (aka Sister) Beverly Hill of Indianapolis, Indiana, two great nieces, Katrina Hill & Marilyn Woods of San Antonio, Texas. His large extended family circle consists of four aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and two sisters-in-law, Sallie (Henry) Burrell of Lancaster, California, and Sandra (Ferance) Webb of Mobile, Alabama.
Willie’s Christian beliefs, civic involvement and providing personal counsel to others were evidenced throughout his life. As a youth his Christian journey began as a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. He never waived from his core Christian values from his youth until his passing. He was a member of Valley Southern Baptist Church in Mesa and First Baptist Church Chandler. He was committed in his roles as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher and served on various committees.
His civic involvement was evidenced during his high school years where he attended and graduated from Williamson High school in Mobile, Alabama; and participated in numerous activities. He was elected President of the Honor Society and President of the Student Council, graduating with honors in 1967. After high school, he attended Tuskegee University (formerly known as Tuskegee, Institute) and was a member of the Army ROTC.
Upon graduating from Tuskegee, he was commissioned to Regular Army (2nd Lieutenant, Field Artillery Officer) and was a Distinguished Military Graduate. He was stationed in Germany and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal First Oak Leaf Cluster. He attained the rank of Captain.
His employment career history list tenure with Johnson & Johnson (Sherman, Texas) and Baxter Healthcare (El Paso, Texas). After relocating to Arizona, he worked for the Internal Revenue Service in various roles as Revenue Officer, Program Analyst, EEO and Diversity Counselor and Mediator.
During his post-employment retirement years, he remained active in volunteering and serving on many local county/community boards and councils. He served on the City of Apache Junction Planning and Zoning Commission, The Board of Adjustment, Library Board, and Public Safety Personnel Retirement Board. He was a volunteer on the Senior Peer Counseling Program.
Interment: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024.
Wishing the blessings and faithful strength, that our belief in God, will bring us through this loss is our hope.
Our sincere condolence to the family. We were both childhood friends of Willie and we know he will be missed. James is from the 1967 Williamson High School Class. Queen is from Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and Willie’s mother was my Sunday School Teacher.
My dear Katie you have my deepest condolences on the passing of your beautiful husband and my classmate and friend. My regards to family. Much love.
To The Howard Family, May God Bless you during this time of Bereavement. Praying for your family.
Theodore English ( classmate) and family
Thank God that I got a chance to see Willie, had not saw my brother since school days
May God’s peace and strength comfort you during this difficult time. Willie was a nice and funny person. Howard family you are in my prayers. Mary Brown (classmate) and family
So sorry for your loss,praying that will comfort your heart at this time. (Classmate) Donsell Hunter Harris and Family.
Howard Family you have our prayers that God will give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Know that Willie grew up in our area and my brother William Brooks was his classmate and played with him as a child. They shared so many fun memories. Willie was such a brilliant scholar and it’s well reflected in his life. Blessings
Sending condolences to Willie Howard and
to is beautiful family. We were friends from elementary school to graduation in 1967. Rest on my friend until we meet in beautiful heaven. Sympathy from my family to yours.
B
With sincere condolences to Dorothy and the Howard family. Willie and I established a bond of friendship while we were roommates during our Freshman year at Tuskegee Institute. Although, we attended different high schools in Mobile, Alabama, we rapidly realized we had similar academic and intellectual interests.
Paramount among those interests were our common spiritual beliefs, critical importance of Education, responsibilities of Manhood and dedication to our Family.
Willie made everyone in his presence better and appreciative oh his friendship and counsel. We are all Blessed because he came our way.
May God Bless You,
With Love and Respect,
Thomas H. Brown aka: “T” Brown
Roswell, Georgia
Willie was a volunteer for EMPACT-SPC for several years, working as a Peer Counselor at the Mesa Active Adult Center. Willie showed kindness and compassion to everyone he met, and he helped so many people over the years. I will truly miss Willie – his smile and sense of style. May God be with his entire family. Sandra
To Beverly and all the family of Willie Howard I am thinking of you, wishing you peace until time heals your heart. May the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases and heal and comfort you.
To Mrs.. Howard and the family Willie was one of our classmate,I remember he help me and others with our home work,he was very smart in the books.we had teachers that was very hard on our lessons.we could not play around.He didn’t mine helping.I my self just love that class of 1967;and had some great teachers.The almighty God want us to be together in our appointed times and we must be great full to see and have each other,to the family I am praying your strength and the days ahead.you be bless in Jesus name.
To the Howard family- we are so very sorry for your loss. My husband and I worked with Willie at IRS. Willie was a kind friend and always made time to provide counsel and guidance to other employees. Always caring and concerned for others. God bless and keep you in this difficult time. Bill and Cheryl
I worked with Willie at the Internal Revenue Service. It was a pleasure working with him for years. My prayers go out to his family.
Dorothy and family – I was a peer of Willie’s at the IRS, as I was hired with him in 1991. I had great respect and admiration for him. He was a pleasure to work with. My sincere condolences to you all. – Gordon
Condolences and prayers are being offered to the family. Rest in peace my friend. All the times we spent together during our high school years were pleasurable and inspirational. I hope to see you again one day, until we meet again! AG