Howard MUIR Sr.

MARTINSVILLE - Howard Ward Muir Sr., 86, of Martinsville, Va., died peacefully Sunday morning, June 20, 2010, at his home surrounded by family.
He was born in Belhaven, N.C., on Dec. 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 five grandchildren, Chris, Elizabeth, Mitchell, Sydney, and Simone, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Howard graduated from the Newport News Ship Building and Dry-Dock Apprentice School in 1947 as a pipefitter. He also served during World War II in the Army Air Corp and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VA Tech) in 1951 with a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following college, he joined DuPont in Martinsville, Va., 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 from 1953 and served as a Deacon and an Elder in addition to 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 a.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial denotations may be made to Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, 725 Beechnut Lane, Martinsville, Va.; 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.
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