Richard Smith Howard went to meet his heavenly Father on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at the age 83. Richard was born on February 6, 1937 to Smith and Lela Howard in Camden, Mississippi. He was a graduate of St. Joseph Catholic School in Jackson, Mississippi and he went on to get his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mississippi College. He worked in insurance sales for most of his career — winning many accolades as a top salesman which afforded him trips all over the world.
Richard’s heart was full of adventure and his warm and inviting personality was a trait that did not go unnoticed by anyone. He never met a stranger. Richard was a proud veteran serving in the United States Army from 1960 to 1965. The famous Arthur Murray Dance Studio taught him collective dancing (tango, foxtrot, salsa) where the apprentice quickly became the instructor. Richard’s best pupil proved to be his beloved wife, Eleanor, who he met while instructing dance at the Murray Dance School. The couple were married 57 loving years.
At a young age Richard was given the endearing name “Sonny” by his grandfather, Henry Howard. This would become the name that family members and those close to him called him by for the rest of his life. Richard is survived by his wife, Eleanor Howard of Canton, MS, brother, Larry Howard (Collie), of Madison, MS, uncle, Albert Billings, of Satellite Beach, FL, first cousin, Patricia Caskey (Charles, Robert, Curtis, Katie, Mary), of Madison, MS, Niece, Rhonda Kuriger (Tommy, Cameron, Sydney), of Madison, MS and nephew Corey Howard (Victoria and Ashley), of Madison, MS as well as many cousins who loved him dearly.
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