Mr. Matthew William Howard

The Chaires and Nelson Family (in Canada) truly enjoyed Bill and are sending their love to your collective families. Sarah & Steve Chaires

I worked with Bill over a six year period at the UNC Student Stores. Bill always made everyone smile. All the students loved him and he had a special place in my heart. I always looked forward to seeing him and being lifted by his energy. Bill you will be missed my friend.

Bill was a true partner and mentor. It was a pleasure to work with him in the stores, and I always enjoyed his perspective on our industry. He was very welcoming to me when I moved to the south, and I truly appreciated his friendship. I will never forget what he taught me.

I had the honor of calling Bill a dear friend for 36 years. He built a wonderful company that put their customers first, which is why The Cotton Exchange was so successful. Bill lead by example and expected everyone to work hard and never accept mediocrity. He had a heart of gold, loved his wife Debbie, daughters Amy, Sara and Julia, their spouses and his adorable grandchildren. He had so many friends at CHCC and he even loved his friends at Duke University Stores. He was a Tar Heel through and through but we would never have known it in his Duke family. I am a better person for knowing Bill and there is no higher praise I can offer "Billy" then to say that he always put others before himself. God Bless the Howard family. Heaven is an even greater place now.

Debbie, you know I love you and I'm so sad for you and the girls. I will be at Bill's service if I can find someone to mind the store. If not, I will be there in spirit. Although I unfortunately never had the opportunity to really know Bill,I understand what a wonderful husband and father he was to have been your husband and raised three such loving and devoted girls. All my lprayers and love are with you!

I knew Bill from working in the UNC Student Stores many years ago. Such a nice guy. Sending up prayers to his family.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers

Sending love and prayers to all of you Howards, my heart breaks for your loss. Bill was such a wonderful, smiley, and easy-going man, a true pleasure to be around. I'll always remember his generosity and warmth, his tireless support for us on the tennis courts, and all the cool apparel he created. Love you all, you are in my thoughts <3 <3 <3

Billy, as we often called him on the golf course, was just a wonderful person of high moral values both on and off the golf course. Everyone always wanted Bill as a partner for his golf skills and he was just fun to be around. He will be greatly missed, our " 5 o'clock golf group" will never be the same. He was a proud, loving husband, father and grandfather and spoke of his family often. Proud to have counted Bill as a friend and he will be long remembered for that natural smile. Much love to all Bill's family.

Bill delighted my heart . A true shining star! I know Bill from working at Duke Stores the last 20 years. I always enjoyed seeing Bill- his beautiful smile , our conversations about his family , their trips, golfing etc..... Such a proud husband, father, grandfather, son. I looked forward to seeing pics of his beautiful family- especially those sweet grandbabies. He always made me smile!!!!!!! Heaven truly gained a Angel.
My prayers are with all the family and the many friends that truly have a void in their lives....
Shine on Bill!

Bill was a beautiful,sweet,caring man.I knew Bill from working at Duke Stores..He could brighten your day from walking in the room...There are so many of us that love and adore you and will have this void in our lives.Bill you will be missed by so many and I am Blessed to have known you and call you my friend... I love you my friend...My prayers and thoughts and love goes out to his Family.....