Eddie C. Howard Jr

SGT. Eddie C. Howard Jr., the second of four children, was born to the parentage of the late Eddie & Odessa Howard Sr. on June 14, 1948 in Cuthbert, GA. Two siblings, Judy Edwards and William Howard proceeded him in death. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Cuthbert, GA. He was a graduate of Henderson High School class of 1965 where he played on the basketball team and wore the number 15. SGT. Howard was united in Holy Matrimony to Annie Doris Jackson, who showed unwavering love and commitment to him until his death. This union was blessed with three children. In 1965, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and worked as a communications specialist during the Vietnam War. During his military service he also played on the Air Force basketball team at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. Anyone who knew Eddie, knew that he took pride in having had the opportunity to serve his country, and when you saw him most of the time, he was likely adorning one of his many Vietnam Veteran caps. After completing his military service, he was employed at various times with Firestone, Carters, Kellwood, and concluded his working career at Beaulieu of America. Eddie was a member of the Just Chillin Club where he sang in the Just Chillin Gospel Choir. In the early 70s he played with Impact Band as lead guitarist. In his early years he also played first base on the Cuthbert Red Devils city baseball team. Before his health began to fail him, Eddie loved fishing, golfing, playing his guitar, coaching youth baseball, and spending time with his family and friends who also knew him as “Juicy” & “Sister Boy”. He had a special love for his grandkids who affectionately referred to him as “Papa”. Eddie C. Howard Jr. departed his earthly life on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside Hospital. In addition to his devoted wife of 51 years, Annie Doris, and loving, baby sister, Janis Gilbert of Cuthbert, GA, he leaves to cherish his memories five children: Eddie C. (Tracee) Howard III of Cuthbert, GA, Eric (Tyra) Howard of Valdosta, GA, Bridgette H. Prise, Albany, GA, Donna Hodo, Columbus, GA, and Tiesha Allen, Albany, GA; his grandchildren, Chakemia Johnson Eufaula, AL, Mark Jones Columbus, GA, Natrice (Eddie) Walker Jacksonville, FL, Eric and Derrick Williams, Cuthbert, GA, Britney (Juan) Gary, Columbus, GA, Jimirious (Tyesha) Howard, Cuthbert, GA, Marquavious Watson, Cuthbert, GA, Jalen Howard Cuthbert, GA, Jayden Prise, Albany, Ga, Erin Howard, Valdosta, GA, Jordan Howard, Cuthbert, GA, Phillip Howard, Valdosta, GA; 10 great grandchildren; a special cousin, Billy Chester, Bronx, NY; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.