Raymond Ray Howard

In the evening hours of Sunday, March 10, 2019, while surrounded by his loved ones, Raymond Ray Howard, age 80, passed away at his residence in Nebo.  A native of McDowell County, North Carolina, born on May 18, 1938, he was the son of the late Thomas and Martha Lockman Howard. 

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Reba Poteat Howard (2006); one sister, Nancy Poteat; and two brothers, Jack Howard and Bart Howard. 

Having had a passion for being outdoors, Raymond enjoyed fishing and hunting, playing bluegrass music, working in his garden and tending to his flowers.  He was a member of Redeemed Freewill Baptist Church in Marion. 

Raymond, who loved spending time with his family, is survived by two daughters, Sandy Howard Allen (Danna Williams) of Marion and Cynthia Howard McGinnis (Jeff Meek) of Glen Alpine; three sons, Ray “Murdock” Howard of Nebo, Darrell Howard of Nebo and Brian Howard of Nebo; three brothers, Tommy Monroe Howard, Jr. (Shirley), Billy Howard (Blanche) and Roy Dean Howard (Wanda); and two sisters, Annie Wilburn and Judy Owensby (Ken).  He is also survived by four grandchildren, Deanna, Nicole, Elizabeth and Summer; seven great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service with Rev. T Jay Addison officiating.  Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.