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Rance Howard
1928 - 2017
Rance Howard
1928 - 2017
Obituary
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BORN
1928
DIED
2017
Rance Howard Obituary
Ron Howard announced his father's death on Twitter Saturday afternoon. He praised his father for the ability to balance ambition with great personal integrity.
"A depression-era farm boy, his passion for acting changed the course of our family history," he wrote. "We love & miss U Dad."
Rance Howard's death also was confirmed by Michael Rosenberg, a spokesman for his son's production company. The elder Howard was the father of actor Clint Howard and grandfather of actresses Bryce Dallas Howard and Paige Howard.
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Rance Howard had been married to the late Jean Speegle Howard. They met as teenagers doing a touring children's production in Oklahoma of classic fairy tales like "Snow White" and "Cinderella." They married on the tour dressed in their costumes, with the bride dressed as Snow White and groom as a huntsman.
The elder Howard's acting career spanned several decades since the 1950s. He appeared in several of Ron Howard's films, including "Apollo 13," ''A Beautiful Mind," ''Splash," ''How the Grinch Stole Christmas," ''Parenthood" and "Grand Theft Auto."
Other film credits include "Chinatown" and the 2013 drama "Nebraska." On television, he appeared on many series including "Seinfeld," ''Murder, She Wrote," ''NCIS: Los Angeles," ''Grey's Anatomy" and Ron Howard's starring series, "Happy Days."
Associated Press Television Writer Frazier Moore in New York contributed to this report.
MICHAEL BALSAMO, Associated Press
Copyright © 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
84 Entries
April 3, 2020
My condolences to the Howard family. I didn't know, he was the father of Ron Howard. I seen in films. Acting runs in the family. May the God of Comfort, continue to be with the family.
Kristy Munden
March 19, 2018
I had the great luck of getting a chance to work with your father last April in Northern California on an industrial shoot. It was one of the great pleasures of my working life. I didn't realize til I watched the Oscar ceremony that he had passed away. He was such a joy to talk with and I loved that he was still working , long past the age many people would have chosen to stay home and take it easy.
My best to the Howard family.
Irma P, Hall
March 18, 2018
Prayers and condolences to Ron and family. Rance was so kind to me when we worked together in LONG HOT SUMMER.
Corine SUTHERLAND
January 23, 2018
What a nice family and patriarch. It was nice to see the entire family got along and supported one another, from father to sons and sons to father.
How you can show support
Linda Pierce
January 7, 2018
Thank you, for being here . So pleased to have shared much of my journey with you and your family, you and your son's are kinda family to many of us A. toast to you Rance Howard
December 25, 2017
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE HOWARD FAMILY
December 25, 2017
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE HOWARD
December 23, 2017
TO THE FAMILY OF RANCE HOWARD;
MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY FOR YOUR LOSS. MR. HOWARD WAS A HUSBAND, FATHER AND NO DOUBT A GOOD FRIEND TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM. IT SEEMS SO UNFAIR THAT DEATH SHOULD HAVE THE POWER TO TAKE AWAY SOMEONE YOU LOVE. AND WHEN IT HAPPENS, THE THOUGHT OF NEVER AGAIN BEING ABLE TO TALK TO, LAUGH WITH OR SIMPLY HOLD THEIR HAND CAN BE MOST DIFFICULT TO BEAR.
MAY YOU ALWAYS KEEP TREASURED MEMORIES OF MR. HOWARD IN YOUR HEART. AND MAY YOU ALWAYS FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED ON IN DEATH GOD KEEPS IN HIS MEMORY BECAUSE ALL ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS EYES. (PSALMS 116:15)
SINCERELY YOURS,
EDO, ILLINOIS
Susan McCaskill
December 16, 2017
You have left the acting world quite a legacy Mr Howard. I have watched Clint and Ron from the time I was a little girl. Thank you for the integrity you and your lovely wife raised them by.
Jennifer O'Connor
December 13, 2017
My deepest sympathy goes to the Howard family.
I was blessed to have met your father and was fortunate to have been seated next to Rance on his way to Vermont for his last movie.
Wonderful and humble man that was so proud of sharing the story of how he went for an audition (he missed) yet wrote a PS note about his talented 4 year old son Ron.
What a delightful man I enjoyed sharing stories with him about Old Tucson Studio days and listening to him talk for hours. My deceased mother dated a gentleman he would have known Don Engles a writer for Gunsmoke - only wish I had shared with him.
Boarded the Airplane in Tucson and flew all the way to Manchester NH helping him catch the plane half way- Rance was a trooper running behind me to catch the flight!
He took my name and number for any studio teaching that day for any job down the road.
Enjoyed our conversation for all time.
Timing is everything and I was meant to have spend a few hours of his last phase of Rances journey in this earth. Thank you Rance Howard a true gentleman that was proud of every member of his family.
M D
December 12, 2017
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss. I hope you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.
December 4, 2017
Truly saddened to hear about Rance Howard. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! Luke23:43
Martha Babicz
December 2, 2017
Thank you for all the years of entertainment you shared with us. May God bless U and your family. May You rest in peace.
December 2, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family at this very difficult time
December 2, 2017
God Bless.Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. May fond memories help you thru this difficult time in your life
Sheila Nichols
December 1, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Howard's family and friends! We are so sorry for your loss!
December 1, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time now and days ahead.
November 30, 2017
My condolence to the family. May fond memories keep him alive in your hearts always. And during this time, God is our refuge and strength and helper.
Ts
November 29, 2017
Offering my condolence to the Howard family, so sorry to hear of his passinv, so very much enjoyed seeing him on Opie's movies and television. I know he will be missed by many. May the family find comfort in his love for acting and may God continue to carry you during thi a, difficult time.
Rebecca Lowe
November 29, 2017
Our sincere condolences to the Howard family. By all accounts a wonderful man, and one admired by his family and friends. A great legacy for his family. Peace and Comfort to the Howard's and friends. The Lowe Family, Corona, California
Rich Martini
November 29, 2017
Sincere condolences to the friends and family of Rance. A true gentleman, a man of his word, a champion of his profession. I got the chance to work with him, and hear him laugh on many occasions. He was a joy to be around, a joy to hear his outlook on life, and share his path. Rest in peace mon ami. We'll catch you on the flipside. Amicably (as he signed his emails) Rich
My sincere condolences. John 6:44
D.H
November 29, 2017
November 29, 2017
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
November 28, 2017
Sorry for your loss, may God's of all comfort be with the family during this difflcutt sorrow time.Matthew 5:4
Cindy
November 28, 2017
My deepest condolences for your loss. May these words recorded at Psalms 116:15 bring he family and friends of the Howard comfort.
gary goodfriend
November 28, 2017
Sincere condolences to friends and family of Mr. Howard.
He was a decent and principled person as well as a great actor.
Rest in peace.
Kay Reckord Ames
November 28, 2017
Sincere condolences to the family of Rance Howard in your loss. Hold tight to the great memories and lessons he left with you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
TeAnna D.
November 28, 2017
My sincere condolences go out to all of Rance's family and friends. May Our Heavenly Father be your source of strength during this time of grief. Please find comfort in knowing HE has promised a time when we all will be reunited in peace...
Hosea 13:14.
November 28, 2017
Sorry for your loss May God of all tender mercy comfort you in your times of sadness
November 28, 2017
Ron I am sorry to hear of the lOSS of your father may he continue to be in God's memory. I loved the show Happy Days you all were great, and many of your other showed you produced. May you keep those wonderful memories of your dear father. My deepest and sincere condolences to your families and friends.
November 28, 2017
My condolences to the Howard family. I remember him in almost everything he did. I was a real fan; great character actor. May fond memories of time spent together comfort you and the peace from God sustain you during your season of mourning.
GA
Franklin Family
November 28, 2017
To the family of Rance Howard, please accept our sincere condolences. We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Rance was an amazing and talented individual. May the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1, 2)
Carolyn Wallace-Murray & Family
November 28, 2017
To The Howard Family,
May God continue to surround your family with his healing strengths and graces daily. My family is sending our heartfelt condolences during this time of bereavement. May all of your fondest memories of Mr. Rance forever live in your hearts, minds and souls always; for these are the special places he will remain constantly. RIP Mr. Rance Howard
November 28, 2017
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. May you take comfort in knowing that your loved one is at peace. Ecclesiastes 9:5.
November 28, 2017
May you find comfort in knowing that your dear loved one is safe in the memory of God, who will remember every detail about him and bring him back again. Much love to the family of Rance Howard.
Rocky Scirocco
November 28, 2017
to the Family: Remember seeing Rance in a lot of movies. Great Actor and always a Gentleman. R. I. P. Rocky Scirocco.
Richard Rossi
November 28, 2017
Rance was such a blessing to me. He contacted me interested in acting in my movie Sister Aimee and he was stellar in the role of Aimee Semple McPherson's father. He taught me so much by his humility, class, integrity, talent. His love and warmth were very healing and nurturing to us and to our company.
November 27, 2017
I never realized the relation. Mr. Howard's work lives on and we hope his family takes comfort in our Heavenly Father. He promises to be close to the brokenhearted. Our condolences to the Howard family.
November 27, 2017
My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Rance on Smoky Mountain Christmas. He was such a great talent and a very patient performer on set. He was ready every day and gave a consistent performance always. A generous man who was kind and considerate to others. Rest in peace Rance, it was our pleasure to work with you.
P.Georgilas, Framingham, MA
Stine
November 27, 2017
May you rest in peace. Thank you for being a good quality actor. I enjoyed your diversity in the different roles you played too many times to count in The Andy Griffith Show. Two be able to work with your two sons on that show must have been a treat. Now, you are together again with your earthly wife. RIH
R D
November 27, 2017
Good bye. You will be missed by family and friends, along with those who enjoyed your movies. RIP
Cheryl Landin
November 27, 2017
Ron Howard, I am sorry to hear about your loss. May he RIP!!!
May God grant you peace, comfort, and strength during these difficult times.
My prayers are with you.
Betty Armour
November 27, 2017
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Rance Howard. According to Psalms 90: 10 he lived a long life of special mightiness from God. Keep his many, many, many memories close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever. May the comfort of God be with you all during this time of grief.
B H
November 27, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family of Rance Howard. He wll be truly missed. May God comfort your hearts and strengthen you each day during this most difficult time. Ps 86:17
November 27, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time. May you trust in and draw strength from God (Isa. 12:2) and the loving support of family and friends.
gh Fort Worth
Charlene
November 27, 2017
With heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your loved one. I am the same age as Mr. Howard and my children grew up watching his son Ron as Opie on the Andy Griffith show. Ron Howard is such a good influence on young ones and this can certainly be attributed to his father's example. May it comfort you to know that he will return to days of his youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.
Rick Galyean
November 27, 2017
I loved watching you dad on many shows thru the years but I believe my favorite character was the farmer on Seinfeld.
Stacy
November 27, 2017
Heartfelt condolences to the Howard family and their loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
November 27, 2017
Ron, I loved watching your Dad in Andy Griffith still watch and laugh........ Prayers for you Clint and the rest of the family...
Delores Lewis
Arkansas
November 27, 2017
Love watching Ron on Happy Days, so sorry to hear of his father's passing. May the Howard family and their friends be well comforted by their wonderful memories of Rance. My sincere condolences for your great loss.
Opie Taylor
Charles Flint
November 27, 2017
Thanks for letting your son Ronnie get into show business. America remembers him most as Opie Taylor and Ritchie Cunningham, who knows where sons and grandchildren would've gone too if it wasn't for you laying the foundation and guidance for them. Oh yes, Ronnie did great in American Graffiti, Grand Theft Auto, and much, much more. Rest in Peace Mr. Rance Howard, I'm quite sure you'll be missed.
Dwight Fish
November 27, 2017
I am so sorry about your father's passing. But I really feel for you. Early this year, my father died, so I fully understand what it is like.
So Ron and Clint, you are both in my prayers. God bless you.
November 27, 2017
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Howard family. May God grant solace during this most challenging time. With Love & Prayers
November 27, 2017
To Rance's family and friends I send my sincere condolences. He was a wonderful actor and I enjoyed many of his films. May God increase love, joy and mercy be increased to you.
November 27, 2017
Rest in peace, my condolences to his family. J.Lewis
Frances C. Uva
November 27, 2017
Dear Howard Family and Friends, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Rance. I enjoyed seeing him in many various roles on TAGS. You were blessed to have such wonderfully supportive parents. May Rance rest in peace.
November 27, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family , friends and fans who have suffered the loss of this pwonderful man to death. God will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)
November 27, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
November 27, 2017
My condolences to the family. May the God almighty be with the family at this most difficult time.
November 27, 2017
Sincere condolences to the Howard family for your loss. Please know that others share your grief and pray that the God of all comfort sustain each of you during your time of grief.
M
November 26, 2017
For Ron Clint & His Wife Family. This Man was wonderful I had fun seeing him in Andy Griffith Show & many other Shows I saw him in.all my Prayer too His Family. I also know he was in Sienfild wonderful Show my Hole Family & I enjoyed it very well. We all grew up with The Howard's. Sorry.
Kathy Stevens
November 26, 2017
I remember him from Gentle Ben, a show about a bear. His younger son Clint was in the show with him. He was also in a lot of older shows and a lot of westerns. Thoughts and prayers with Ron and his family. R.I.P.
anthony todd raven
November 26, 2017
we have enjoyed your acting over the yrs from your tv days to your flims god bless yall you are in our hearts minds thoughts and prayers
AC
November 26, 2017
May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10.
Carolyn Milliman
November 26, 2017
Dear Ron and family,
My name is Carolyn Lopp Milliman and I first met your dad in Texas when my husband, Gary - City Manager by profession was attending a City conference. Your dad was staying in the same Hotel and we were to meet your dad. He was doing Chritmas movie made for TV starring Lean Rhimes. It was a joy to met such a wonderful person as your dad. My sincere heart felt sympathy to all of you. I am the same age of Ron and glad you were able to have your dad on earth for 89 years!!! Even being the same age as Ron, my parents were older when I was born and both of my wonderful parents are up in Heaven with your dad. I am so glad to have seen your dad on the many TV and movie shows. It must have been very rewarding to your dad that Ron, Ron's brother, daughters, and grandchildren were continue in the acting business to carry on Rance Howard's legancy! Rance Howard will truly be missed on EARTH!! God bless you all!!! Love and Friendship in memory of Rance Howard Sincerely, Carolyn Milliman
November 26, 2017
Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this time of sadness. Wishing you and your family strength and peace.
Stephanie Bennett
November 26, 2017
God rest a CLASS ACT . Amen
Glen James Hausfeld
November 26, 2017
Peace.
Scott Chamberland
November 26, 2017
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Harry Simpson
November 26, 2017
Godspeed Rance, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
November 26, 2017
May you find peace and comfort in your memories together and from our Heavenly Father.
November 26, 2017
To the Howard family. I remember Rance from way back and your family has my deepest sympathies. He is in the arms of our Lord now and with his loved ones.
GB in Colonie NY
L
November 26, 2017
Deepest condolences to Ron, Clint and family.
Brian & Carolyn Fall
November 26, 2017
Dear Ron,Clint,and the Howard family. You have our Prayers and Condolences on the passing of you dad Rance Howard. Rance Thank You for sharing your talents and family with us. You will be missed and may God welcome you to that heavenly stage.
Diana Patton
November 26, 2017
I remember Rance Howard in the Andy Griffith Show. My condolences and prayers to Ron and Clint Howard and family. May God give them strength and peace. The Lord Is My Shepherd. Psalm 23.
Jennifer Potter
November 26, 2017
Prayers
November 26, 2017
Aww, so sorry.
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