Howard Ward Muir Sr.

He was born in Belhaven, NC on December 20, 1923, to Oscar Fenton Muir and Blanche Jarvis Muir.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Rosalind B. Davis, Beulah M. Adams, Hilda M. Gatson, and Helen M. Burroughs; and a brother, William O. Muir.

Surviving are his wife, Betty S. Muir of the home, and two sons, H. Ward Muir, Jr. and his wife, Melissa, of Glen Allen ,VA, William R. Muir and his wife, Shea, of Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, and 5 grandchildren, Chris, Elizabeth, Mitchell, Sydney, and Simone, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Howard graduated from the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company Apprentice School in 1947 as a pipefitter. He also served during World War II in the Army Air Corps and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VA Tech) in 1951 with a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Following college, he joined DuPont in Martinsville, Virginia where he held numerous positions throughout his 31 year career. He retired from DuPont in 1982.

He was an active member of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church since 1953 and served as a Deacon, an Elder, and on numerous committees and groups.

Howard enjoyed many activities throughout his life, including hunting, fishing, golf, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is best remembered for his sense of humor and his incredibly optimistic outlook on life. He will be very much missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church on July 10 at 11:00 am with Rev. Kenneth Hughes officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial denotations may be made to Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, 725 Beechnut Lane, Martinsville, VA 24112, The Hospice Fund, C/O Martinsville Area Community Foundation, P. O. Box 1124, Martinsville, VA 24112, or the Blue Ridge Regional Public Library, 310 East Church Street, Martinsville, VA 24112.

Arrangements are by Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Homes, Martinsville Chapel.

To express online condolences, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.