Ray A. Howard of Covington, 86, died April 5, 2009 at Abbey Hospice. Born in Morgan County to the late Horace Littleton and Virtuous Alma Malcom Howard, he had been a resident of Covington since 1968. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II, serving in the 87th Division, 3rd Army, under General George Patton in European Theatre during The Battle of the Bulge, where he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. He retired from General Motors Lakewood Plant after 30 years of service and then worked for Hilsman Farm & Garden Supply in Madison for 17 years.

Mr. Howard was a member of Covington First Baptist Church, 3R’s Senior, Sandy Springs Masonic Lodge, Newton Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, where he had served 3860 hours since 1994, was past president of Covington Lions Club, and was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather.

He was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Cliff Casady and sister-in-law, Norma Howard. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Billie Howard of Covington, daughters and sons-in-law, Allene Reagin of Savannah, Connie and Jack Vanderzwart, Linda and Dennis Bruce, all of Covington; son and daughter-in-law, Tim A. and Scheree Howard of Covington; grandchildren, Alysha Vanderzwart, Jake Vanderzwart, Caiti Butts Ewing, Hannah Bruce, Brantleigh Howard, Courtney Ray Howard, Carson A. Howard, Lawson Howard; sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Casady of Shady Dale, Charlotte and Henry Carson of Madison; brothers and sisters-in-law, Hoyt and Betty Howard of Newborn, John and Ann Howard of Social Circle, and Jimmy and Diane Howard of Covington; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service were held Tuesday, April 7, at 2 p.m. at Covington First Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Dees and Rev. J. J. Wilson officiating and interment was in Lawnwood Memorial Park.

Donations may be made to Newton Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, 5126 Hospital Drive, Covington, GA 30014.

PRINTED IN THE APRIL 23, 2009 EDITION