Thurman Eugene Howard

Obituary: Kannapolis, NC- Thurman Eugene Howard, age 88, went to be with his Lord on Friday, May 1, 2009 at Rowan Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, NC after five years of declining health. He was born January 31, 1921 in Stanly County, NC, the son of the late Carl F. Howard and Bertha Mae Layton Howard. He was employed with the former Cannon Mills Company, Plt.#1 #7 Cloth Room for 20 years until his retirement. In earlier years he also worked for Goodyear and Firestone. After retirement he enjoyed working at the Farm Fresh Market in Kannapolis. He was an active member of Central Baptist Church, Kannapolis, NC where he had served as Sunday School Superintendent for 35 years. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by three brothers, Donald Howard, J.R. Howard, and Hoyle Howard and three sisters, Virginia Smith, Flossie Fortson, and Elaine Brown. He was considered by his family the best Husband, Daddy, Grandpaw, and Great-Grandpaw in the world. The funeral service will be 5:00 P.M. Sunday, May 3, 2009 at Central Baptist Church, Kannapolis, NC officiated by Rev. Curtis Parker. The graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2009 at Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis, NC with military rites conducted by the N.C. Military Funeral Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday at the church prior to the service. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Vivian Hampton Howard; a daughter, Pam Goodman & husband, Mike of Kannapolis, NC; a granddaughter, Christy Foster & husband, Joe of Kannapolis, NC; two great-granddaughters, Alison and Amanda Foster; three brothers, David Howard of Charleston, SC, Rev. Carlie Howard and Larry Howard, both of Concord, NC; and one sister, Eunice McCrary of Concord, NC. Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, 1810 Moose Road, Kannapolis, NC 28083. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Rowan Regional Medical Center and the State Veterans Home for their loving care for our loved one. On-line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 3:00-5:00 PM Sunday, May 3, 2009 Central Baptist Church

Service: 5:00 PM Sunday,May 3, 2009 Central Baptist Church

Interment: Graveside service at Carolina Memorial Park at 10:00 AM, Monday April 4, 2009 with Military rites conducted by the NC Military Honor Guard