William "Dwight" Howard Sr.

William Dwight Howard (Papa), 89, passed away on October 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife, Cheryl, children and grandchildren. He was one of seven children born to Ernest Lee and Almedia Carruth Howard, both deceased. Predeceased also by his siblings – Harold Howard (Frankie), Ralph Howard(Frances), Elaine Sims (Bill), Christina McDaniel(Jim), Newell Long (Laddie) and Jean Hayes (Harold Dean). He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Glenn Howard of 48 years and four children – William Dwight Howard, Jr. (Robin), Caroline Elizabeth Newhouse (Joseph), Clifford Hardin Howard, Timothy Lee Howard (Sherry) and 11 grandchildren – SadieNewhouse Cox (Justin), Cameron Howard, TaylorNewhouse, Tori Forbes Lark (Allen), Zachary Howard, Erin Howard, Tena Newhouse, Samantha Howard, Morgan Newhouse, Christian Forbes and CooperHoward (Best Buddy), as well as two sisters-in- law, two brothers-in-law (one deceased) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Dwight was a true southern gentleman and loved by all who knew him. He was self-employed as a commercial photographer for 45 years. It wasn’t a job, but his passion, demonstrating his many artistic talents through the use of light, film, lenses and darkroom techniques. He embraced life. He loved saltwater fishing primarily off the coast of Fernandina Beach and duck hunting at the family farm. He was a master woodworker making everything from furniture to cornhole boards to birdhouses and slingshots. He spent a lot of time watching and feeding the birds at home(all the while fighting off squirrels, raccoons and frogs in the pool). He and Cheryl loved scuba diving and visited numerous Caribbean destinations, and he taught his grandchildren scuba in the pool. He loved boating, water skiing and tubing with family on Lake Lanier.Being with family meant everything to Papa, and everyone agreed that he could smoke a ham like no other. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and he and Cheryl created an amazing village display of Christmas in the City. He loved all things football, being a former Jefferson Dragon GACA All State guard. He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, kept up with recruits and rarely missed seeing a game.

He loved to be around people, and told the best stories as his memory was incredible. Papa will be deeply missed by family, friends and neighbors, but we know he has a special place in Heaven.

A Service of Worship Celebrating the Life of Dwight will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 11:00 am at Oak Grove United Methodist Church at 1722 Oak Grove Rd, Decatur, GA 30033. There will be a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ebenezer Church in Jefferson, GA, research on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) or the charity of your choice