Wilburn Thomas "W.T." Howard of Hiland Park died Sunday night, Aug. 1, 2010, in a local hospital with all of his loved ones around him.

He was born Dec. 22, 1919, in Slocomb, Ala., and then moved with his family to Panama City in 1922. He was a master mason and a master mechanic, well known in the community for his expertise. His first love was the Lord, followed by his love for his beautiful wife, Bettie, and his children; then his love for fishing especially on Howard Creek in Wewahitchka. Also, he was an amassing farmer and had a reputation of growing the hottest peppers in town.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen P. Howard; father, "Pa" Henry T. Howard; brothers, Julian Howard, Amos Howard, Milburn Howard and Hilburn Howard; sister, Mildred Howard Snow; son, James Thomas Howard; and two daughters, Mary Joan Howard and Sharon F. Murphy.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bettie L. Howard; one son, Wilburn D. "Butch" Howard (Donna) of Virginia; and three daughters, Janice K. Roberts (Bill) of Lynn Haven, Nancy F. Ruthven (Mike) of Panama City and Pat H. Bamond (John) of Okolona, Ark.. His grandchildren are Lori H. Slattery (Todd), Jennifer Howard (Ezra), Kyle-Evon Howard (Leanna), Cynthia V. Danner, Katherine D. Robles, W. Steven Roberts (Thelma), Angela R. Tucker (John), Brenda R. Taylor (Andrew), Kathy M. Hershey (Ray), Michael J. Murphy (Sheila), Nancy R. Garcia (Zach) and Melanie R. Ellis (Bruce). He had 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also, he had several nieces and nephews including one special niece, Mary E. Howard.

The family would like to thank all of their friends for their recent prayers and love, especially neighbors, Frances and Peggy Bolin. Also, a big hug and kiss for extra love and attention given by "Little" Mike and Shelia. A big thank you goes to his son-in-law, Mike, whom he depended on so greatly; and one of his last words was to take good care of Mike. Also, a great big thank you to Dr. Sidney Daffin and Dr. Timothy Moriarty. And to everyone, as Papa would say, "I love you all a whole heap a bunch."

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, at Wilson Funeral Home. The funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, at Wilson's Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David Warren and the Rev. Michael Murphy conducting the service. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Mike Ruthven, 1204 Tyndall Drive, Panama City, Fla.

Wilson Funeral Home
Family Owned Since 1911
214 Airport Road
Panama City, Fla.
850-785-5272

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Panama City News Herald from Aug. 2 to Aug. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Wilburn Howard

8 Entries

Larry Johnson

August 6, 2010

I grew up calling W.T. uncle before he really was my uncle. I will always remember him for his quiet mannerism's and his silent kindness. He was a good man that I admired...I will see you again my uncle...My sympathy I extend to all who loved him...Rev. Larry Johnson

Willie Yawn

August 6, 2010

The Howard Family:

My prayers and sympathy are with you at this time. W.T was one of my best buddies on the CB radio. He was a joy to be around and to talk to. God's blessings be with you.

"Widow Maker"

August 5, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Billy & Maureen Howard

August 4, 2010

AUNT BETTIE AND FAMILY:
WORDS CANNOT SAY HOW MUCH WE ARE GOING TO MISS UNCLE W.T. I HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF HIM, LOVED OUR PHONE CALLS AND HE REALLY MEANT ALOT TO MY DAD. NOW THEY ARE JOINED TOGETHER AGAIN! I WILL BE CALLING IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. MARY CONTACTED ME RIGHT AWAY AND I CALLED BOB AND DEE. I WAS TO SEE MOM AT THE HOME YESTERDAY AND TOLD HER ALSO. SHE SEEMED TO UNDERSTAND THAT HE IS HEAVEN REJOICING WITH DAD. TAKE CARE, BIG HUGS TO EVERYONE.
LINDA AND DUANE KAUL AND FAMILY AND MOM, LILLIAN HOWARD.

Susan Snow

August 3, 2010

My heart goes to family and friends. What an incredible life W.T. I too have many memories of the cabin and fish frys, rabbits and stock cars. A vacation in Panama City was alittle piece of heaven. W.T., give my daddy (Andy Snow), my brother (Randy) and Gagie a big hug for me. My mother celebrated her 79th birthday yesterday. She sends her love to you all.

Pamela Peltier

August 3, 2010

Uncle T, I too love you. I am Allene Snow Christophers daughter, Pam. Thank you for the memories of the rabbits in the pens. Even my kids remember them. Rest in peace, tell mama and Gagi hello for me.

August 2, 2010

ENJOY HEAVEN AS THAT WILL BE WHERE YOU WILL BE WITH ALL THE FAMILY LOST BEFORE YOU. SAVE A PLACE RIGHT NEXT TO YOU FOR NANCY AND MIKE. AND OF COURSE BETTIE YOUR LOVING WIFE.

THANKS TO YOU BOTH AND FOR ALL THE OTHERS WHO HELPED.

ARLENE SNOW BUTLER

Mary Howard

August 2, 2010

I LOVE YOU UNCLE T AND NOW YOU ARE SOARING WITH THE EAGLES!

CREEK MARY HOWARD

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