Billy Ray Howser

TUSCALOOSA - Billy Ray Howser, age 83, passed away March 22, 2021 at DCH Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home. There will be a private burial in the Alabama National Cemetery.

Mr. Howser was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Ray Howser; and his brother, Larry Howser,

He is survived by his wife, Shelvy Jewel Howser of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; daughters, Sheila Tarnabine (Jason) and Cynthia Parker (Jason); sister Cheryl Howser-Brewer; brothers, Jackie Howser, Bobby Howser, and Stevie Howser; grandchildren, Nicholas Parker (Summer), Charity Parker, Ethen Parker, Ryan Smith, Austin Smith, Kaitlynn Tarnabine, and Bella Tarnabine; and great-grandchildren, Nathan Parker and Alyson Parker.

Mr. Howser served proudly in the United States Air Force. He was born and raised in Bristol, Tenn., later moving to Mobile, Ala., then to Meridian, Miss., and finally to Tuscaloosa, Ala. He loved to garden and would sit on the porch and feed the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. He loved to act like Santa Clause. He was always happy and never met a stranger; he could talk to anyone. His saying was “Have a Jesus-filled day!” He always joked and made people laugh. He always walked around singing ”Praise God, Praise God, Praise God” or “Oh, How I Love Jesus.” He loved to pray with people and tell them about Jesus.

Honorary pallbearers are Jason Parker, Nicholas Parker, Ryan Smith, Austin Smith, Jason Tarnabine, and Gary Bickford.