Robert Howard Obituary

Robert Eugene Howard

July 9, 1948 - January 2, 2024

Southport, North Carolina - Robert Eugene Howard

July 9, 1948 - Jan 2, 2024

We mourn the death of a dear husband, father, and friend, Robert E. Howard. Bob had kindness and good humor that could be relied on day after day.

Bob Howard was born at Laurinburg-Maxton Army Air Base in Scotland County NC, to Ruby Mills Horner and Robert E. Howard Sr. With sisters Gayle and JoAnn, his early childhood was spent in Wagram where his dad was principal of the high school. The family moved to Sanford in 1955, and both parents were teachers. After graduating from Sanford Central HS, Bob earned a BS from NC State and an MBA from Duke.

Bob relocated to NYC to pursue jobs at non-profits. He met Penny at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church and they were later married in Maggie Valley in the NC mountains. Camping was a great adventure that began during the honeymoon and continued to recent years. He loved car trips, maps, national parks, planning family vacations with elaborate spreadsheets, classical music, opera, card games, his dogs, and the North Carolina coastline.

Bob had a life-long dedication to education. He worked at Duke for 15 years as Capital Budget Officer, and at UNC General Administration for 6 years. He became a big proponent of community colleges, and worked at two of them in the eastern part of the state. After retiring to Southport, he tutored English online and had just begun teaching Math at South Brunswick High School when he was diagnosed with AML (Leukemia).

Faith and church life were very important to Bob. He taught Sunday school at University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, JoAnn McIver. He is survived by sister, Gayle McNeill H., wife, Penny Larrick H., daughter, Susannah 'Maggie' (John Herbert), grandson, Harvey Herbert, and son, Duncan (Bradli). He is also survived by niece, Catherine Kimberly (Kevin) and great-niece, Anna, niece, Elizabeth Collins (Michael), nephew, Jonathan Christopher McIver, cousin, Fentress Horner and family, and cousin, Carol Figura and family. In addition, he has been 'Pop' to four dogs: Fitzgerald, Einstein, Lulu, and Paddington.

Bob had a two year struggle with AML. Very special thanks go out to all of the dedicated doctors, nurses, and researchers at Duke Hospital Blood Cancer Center and Clinic, the National Marrow Donor Program and its donors, and the American Cancer Association.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oak Island Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1503 E. Oak Island Dr, Oak Island NC 28465. A Memorial Service will be held there on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM.