William J. B. Howard Jr.

William J. B. Howard Jr. Battle Creek William J. B. Howard Jr., 79 of Battle Creek passed away Friday, November 27, 2009 at his home. He was born on February 10, 1930 in Dayton, Tennessee the son of William and Esther (Gibson) Howard. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. Bill was employed as an Ironworker with Local #340 from 1963 to 1992 and had also worked for Avery Trucking for several years. Bill married Donella L. Brooks on July 5, 1952 in Rossville, Georgia, who survives. Also surviving are his son, Michael E. Howard of Battle Creek; two daughters, J. Catherine Kimball of Holland and Mary G. Pepera of Battle Creek; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four sisters, Shirley Parker, Sue Wilk and Glenda Johnson all of Battle Creek and Linda Johnson of Athens. He was preceded in death by a son, William Howard III in 1992; grandson, Jason Barrus in 1979; three brothers, Agnew, Lloyd and Gene Howard; and two sisters, Frances Wilkey and Virginia Slaughter. Bill enjoyed catfishing, playing horseshoes and car racing. He formerly attended Pennfield Baptist Church which is now Grace Community Church. Family will receive friends Monday from 2 to 4:00 p.m. and 6 to 8:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at the funeral home with Pastor Brad Smith of Grace Community Church officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice.