Howard Mead, 90, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 56 years, Shirley (Holland), daughters Carla Louthan (Brian) and Krista Andrukonis (John), and son, Eric; grandchildren Holly Louthan, Kyle Louthan, Nathan Andrukonis, and Phillip Andrukonis. Dr. Mead was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Howard R. Mead, Sr., sister, Carol Guinness, and nephew, Richard Guinness.
He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on September 9, 1928. Upon graduating from Midwood High School in 1946, he immediately enlisted in the Marine Corps, his life-long dream. After serving four years, he attended Long Island University until called back to active duty during the Korean Conflict. He was selected for Officer Candidate School and commissioned as an officer, seeing combat in Korea.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Howard attended the University of South Carolina, graduating magna cum laude. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the International Business Honors Society, Beta Gamma Sigma. He continued at the University of South Carolina, earning his MBA and PhD. Howard and his family moved to Richmond, VA, where he was Director of the Management Center at Virginia Commonwealth University, later becoming a Professor of Business Management.
Howard was active in various clubs & civic organizations throughout the years, often serving as president. These included the James River Kiwanis Club, the Toastmaster’s Club, school PTA’s, and neighborhood associations. He was a faithful member of Huguenot Road Baptist Church where he served on several committees and loved his regular Thursday morning Men’s Bible Study.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 9, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Woody Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Rd, Midlothian, VA. A funeral in honor of Howard’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 10, at Huguenot Road Baptist Church, North Chesterfield, VA, at 11:00am. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA, on Friday, April 12, at 11:00am. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Huguenot Road Baptist Church, 10525 W. Huguenot Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23235.
