John Willis Howard

Obituary for John Willis Howard

John Willis Howard was born on February 9, 1948, in Pittsburg, Texas, to the late Casey Howard and Sarah Howard. At an early age, his family moved to Titus County, where he was raised and united with the Sheppard Street Church of Christ.

John graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Mount Pleasant, Texas, as a member of the Class of 1966. Academically and athletically gifted, he graduated third in his class while excelling in football, basketball, and track.

Following high school, John attended East Texas State University (now East Texas A&M University), where he earned a bachelor's degree in accounting. He later obtained a master's degree in accounting from North Texas State University (now University of North Texas) and went on to earn his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

John enjoyed a distinguished professional career that spanned more than 40 years. During his career, he held positions with Arthur Young, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Labcorp, and Nortel.

A lifelong learner and advocate for cultural awareness, John was one of the founding members of the Third Eye in Dallas, Texas. In his later years, he found great joy in sharing knowledge about African heritage and history, a passion that remained important to him throughout his life.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Casey and Sarah Howard; his brothers, Charles Howard and Marvin Howard; his sisters, Willie Jewel Ray, and Shirley Ivory; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Howard; and his brothers-in-law, T. George Norman, Johnnie Ray, Roy D. Ivory, and Bobby Moton.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 55 years, Linda Brooks Howard; his son, John Brooks Howard, Ph.D.; his brother, William (Lillie) Howard; his sister, Linda Faye Moton; his sisters-in-law, Caroline Howard, Jo Ann Sanders, and Dolly Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

John’s legacy of excellence, dedication, wisdom, and love for family and community will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

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