of Lonsdale, AR
December 4, 1935 - October 17, 2017
William (Bro. Bill) Howard, 81, of Lonsdale, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2017. He was born December 4, 1935 to the late Wilber and Sallie Howard. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Jennings, Don, David and Richard; and sisters, Patricia and Joan.
Survivors include wife, Lynna Sue Howard of Lonsdale; two sons, Tim Howard (Julie) of Benton and Perry Howard (Sharon) of Perryville; two daughters, Susan Petty (Mike) of Powell, Tennessee and Sally Brown (Tom) of Benton; brother, Daniel Howard (Betty) of Lonsdale; eight grandchildren, Stephen Howard (Bobbie Jo), Douglas Howard (Samantha), Joshua Howard (Sarah), Nathan Howard (Jessica), Kendra Baxter (Andrew), Sarah Duncan (Andrew), Joseph Petty (Kayla), and Paul Brown; two step-grandchildren, Dustin Moseley (Carly) and Dylan Moseley (Sonni); and sixteen great grandchildren.
Bro. Bill served in the ministry for almost fifty years of his life. He pastored Brims Grove Baptist in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, First Baptist Church in Perryville, Arkansas and Salem Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas, and also served as a volunteer at the Arkansas Health Center and the Travelers Chapel at J.J.s Truck Stop.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2017 at Owensville Baptist Church in Lonsdale with son-in-law Mike Petty and Rev. Mark Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Owensville Cemetery led by Bro. J.D. Courtney.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening, October 19, 2017 at Owensville Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Owensville Baptist Church building fund.
Mama Sue and family, So sorry to hear about Preacher Bill. We shared so many good memories. Watermelon after breakfast behind the house with Amy. You folks were so good with her. The " WhoWhee" he taught her! Your family was such a blessing to Brims Grove. It never was quiet the same. May God wrap his arms around all of you with love as only He can. Preacher Bill is rejoicing in heaven. Praise The Lord! Till we all meet again!
With Love,
Junior and Jannie
Sue and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your ministry at Brims Grove will never be forgotten. We are so glad we visited with you at your home two years ago. It was a delight to see you both and spend some time with you to talk about "old times". Your time in NC will always be remembered with love for a God loving family and wonderful friends ." TO GOD BE THE GLORY"
With deep sadness I send condolences to your family during this time in honor of Bro. Bill. My time under his pastorship was life-changing. I have been reminded so often through the years of the wisdom, smiles, and prayers given to me and my family during the time we were there. Oh my, could he preach!! He will forever be in my heart. Love you, Mama Sue. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Happy is the home going of the redeemed. Although we are saddened that we no longer have his presence here. Our hearts go out to Mama Sue, Sally and all the family. I have never been under a greater Shepherd than Bro. Bill. His love and compassion could not be exceeded. His ministry has not been and never will be duplicated. I was always proud to call him my pastor. Heaven has certainly gained a saint. To God Be The Glory!!
My thoughts and prayers are with the Howard family. Such a wonderful man of God! I will be forever grateful for the ministry sacrifice that he made as Pastor of First Baptist in Perryville. He baptized all three of my children, was forever there for my family as he walked with us through trials and various sickness and surgeries. He would never let you walk along and did it with a smile on his face and some good humor to carry you through. There will never be another Bro Bill!
Bro Bill Howard, forever in my heart and mind, and countless others, as our pastor. Kind, yet firm, forever loving, ministering, teaching of Jesus love to all who could hear His voice. Truly a Man of God, and now seated at the Creators feet. Our family's condolences to Mama Sue and the rest of the Howard's. We will see Him again.
Our love and prayers are with all of you today and the days to follow. Bro. Bill`s memory will live forever because of all the seeds he planted in his ministry.
It was such a privilege and honor to serve with Bro. Bill. We had 15 great years together. He and Mama Sue taught me so much. We loved to fish together but most importantly, he loved and supported missions. I have such great memories of our time together. He was a great witness and loved everyone. He will be missed, but we haven't lost him. We know exactly where he is! Love to all the family. Heaven gained a true saint today.
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so sad to hear about Bill. We have some good memories . I pray that God's Love will see you through this trying time. You are in my prayers