Walter F. Howie, Jr.

Walter Franklin “Frank” Howie, Jr., 98, of Harrisburg, NC, passed away Thursday, August 24, 2023.   Frank was born August 28, 1924, in Harrisburg, NC, to the late Walter Franklin Howie, Sr. and the late Barbara Elizabeth Hunter Howie.   As a young man, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country aboard the Battleship USS Missouri.  On September 2, 1945,  Frank was honored to witness the signing of the Peace Treaty ending World War II in Tokyo Bay.   During his military career,  Frank received multiple medals including the American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, and two bronze service stars.     After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Frank returned to his lifelong home of Harrisburg, NC. Shortly after his return, he met Betty, his wife and partner of 71 years.  Together they built a life filled with family, love and laughter.   Frank/Pop/Pappaw was an unselfish man with strong convictions.  He loved travel, friends, hunting, farming, dogs, games, cars, sweets and above all Frank loved his family.   He left this world a brighter place than he found it.   His influence will live on through those who he loved and who loved him.   He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Jeremiah and Parks Howie.   Frank is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty Howie; son, Eric Howie and wife Barbara; son, Steve Howie and wife Julie; daughter, Susan Stafford and husband Howard; daughter, Ann Howell and husband Bobby; grandchildren, Daniel Stafford and wife Karen; Lisa Brady and husband Greg; John Howie and wife Laura; and Nina Dashwood; great grandchildren, Owen, Molly, Kate, Claire, Caroline and Evelyn; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.   A special thanks to his Hospice angels Darlenda Anderson, Tanya Burke and Bobbie Jo McDonald who were very special to him.
  A private graveside funeral service with military honors will be held at Harrisburg Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Harrisburg, NC, officiated by Rev. Meg Skidmore.    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harrisburg Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, Post Office Box 310, Harrisburg, NC 28075 or VIA Health Partners (Hospice) at https://www.hpccr.org/.   Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Howie family.