Billy J. Howard

Billy Joe (Bill) Howard, 85, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, surrounded by family in San Antonio. Bill was the first baby born in Smyer. He served his country during World War II and the Korean Conflict.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary Ward Howard, daughter Glynda Howard McClure, son-in-law Tom Carlyon both of San Antonio, daughter-in-law Darla Howard of San Antonio, son Denney Ray Howard, daughter-in-law JaNette Howard both of Burleson, five grandchildren (Vicki McClure, Kenneth McClure, Kurt Howard, Jason Howard, and Lori Solis) and five great-grandchildren (Chelsea Velasquez, Quentin McClure, Madison McClure, Kyler Howard, and Dakota Solis), best friends (Earl Horton, Glen Denney and the Gang) and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his son Billy Earl Howard, his parents, and his siblings.

Bill said that his greatest accomplishment was marrying Mary Ward. He is a graduate of Smyer High School and attended Texas Technological College. He began his Federal civil service career at the Veterans Administration and retired from the Civil Service Commission as a GS-13. He served as President of the Lubbock South Plains Lion’s Club among many other posts. Bill was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church for over 45 years, becoming an ordained Deacon there. Bill and Mary moved to San Antonio in 2002 to live with their daughter Glynda. Bill and Mary served almost ten years at Bulverde Baptist Church in Bulverde.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for the Bill & Mary Howard Memorial Prayer Garden at Bulverde Baptist Church, 1331 Bulverde Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163.

Services for Bill will be held at 10 am on Monday, November 7, 2011, in Resthaven’s Abbey Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, from 4-6 pm.