William Leslie Howard

Brother William Leslie Howard (Red) was born to the parentage of Odessa Elizabeth Chester Howard and Eddie C. Howard Sr. February 9, 1951 in Cuthbert (Randolph County) Georgia.   William accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Cuthbert Georgia where he served until his health failed.   He was a graduate of the Henderson High School Class of 1968 where he was Valedictorian, Senior Class President, and a member of the school’s basketball team (voted as “Most Athletic” his senior year).  One of his proudest memories of high school was that of being a part of the Senior Class that led the students on strike protesting for a school gymnasium.   He graduated from Albany State University in 1972 with a B.B.A. in Business Administration. As a student, he worked on the school’s work-study program in the Financial Aid Office.  Upon graduation, he was hired by the Office of Financial Aid as a full time employee.  He held various positions within the Office of Financial Aid and in 2002; he retired from Albany State University as the Assistant Vice President of Fiscal Affairs.   William was united in Holy Matrimony to Linda Breedlove Howard June 11, 1976. To this union two sons were born Joshua Wesley-Carrington Howard and Phillip Elliot Howard.   William was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, a lifetime member of Albany State University National Alumni Association, a member of the Just Chillin’ Gentlemen Club and the Randolph County All-Class Reunion Committee.  He held various offices in each of these organizations over the years.  He participated annually in the Randolph-Clay Middle School’s MR. (Men Reading) Day Program.   William loved to fish and to spend time with his family and friends.  He had an infectious smile and laugh that made you smile and laugh with him even during your most difficult times.  He stayed abreast of all current events locally and nationally and would eagerly engage in a conversation regarding those events.   On Sunday, October 30, 2016, the angel of death quietly entered his room and carried him to his reward. In the midst of our sorrow, we pause and give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the 65 wonderful years we shared with him and rejoice knowing that God is too wise to make a mistake.   William leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 40 years: Linda Breedlove Howard of Albany, GA; two sons, Joshua (LaToya) Howard of East Point, GA, and Phillip (Ashley) Howard of Mableton, GA; one grandchild Taylor Lynn Howard of Mableton, GA; one brother, Eddie C. (Annie) Howard Jr. of Cuthbert, GA; two sisters, Judy (G.W.) Edwards of Edison, GA and Janis (Dennis) Gilbert of Cuthbert , GA; five brother in laws: Solomon (Brenda) Breedlove, Marlon (Mary) Breedlove, Tyrone (Stephanie) Breedlove, all of Bainbridge, GA,  Earl (Lorrie) Breedlove Sr. of Ellenwood, GA, and Lorenzo (Debra) Breedlove of Irmo, SC; five sister in laws: Annor Doris (Rudy) Jefferson of Tunnel Hill, GA, Yvonne Hawk of Columbus, GA, Starla (Willis) Johnson of Hampton, GA, and Pamela Breedlove of Bainbridge, GA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.