With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Willie C. Howard, 82, of Lane, SC, husband of Bertha Howard, who passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025.

Life Reflections

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

2 Timothy 4: 7-8 (NIV)

Mr. Willie Clarence Howard, the beloved son of the late Mr. David Howard, Sr. and Mrs. Lurie Smith Howard was born on May 17, 1943 in Lane, South Carolina. Willie was reared by his grandparents, the late Mr. David Howard and Mrs. Alice Howard. Our Omniscient God transitioned His faithful servant Willie to eternal rest on Friday, October 17, 2025.  In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: David Howard, Jr., James Howard, and Frankie Howard.

Willie was educated in the public schools of Williamsburg County.  As a young man, Willie became a believer of Jesus Christ and a member of St. James A.M.E. Church. To expand his job opportunity, Willie became a resident of Jacksonville, FL for 47 years. While in Jacksonville, FL, Willie was a devoted member and Steward of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church. Upon his returned to South Carolina in 2004, Willie reconnected with St. James A.M.E. Church.  During his period of life at St. James A.M.E. Church, Willie was a faithful member and served as a Class Leader, President of the Sons of Allen Unit, and a member of the following boards/auxiliaries: Steward Board, Usher Board, Lay Organization, and the Finance Committee.

Willie was employed as a Teamstar Union Truck Driver for various companies for 30 years.  He had the opportunity to travel across the United States.

Willie was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Ms. Bertha Roberts on January 16, 1964. This union was blessed with four children: Willie Jr., Michael, Angela, and Catina.

Willie was devoted to his family. He was empowered by God with a personality that enabled him to display Christian love in words and deeds to everyone. He enjoyed landscaping and watching wrestling.

Those left to cherish his fond memories are: a loving and devoted wife, Bertha Howard of the home; two daughters, Angela (William) Davis and Catina Hill both of Jacksonville, FL; two sons, Willie Howard, Jr. and Michael Howard both of Jacksonville, FL; nine grandsons; three granddaughters; one great grandson; one great granddaughter; three sisters, Ernestine Johnson of Winter Park, FL, Sandra Dixon of Philadelphia, PA and Esther Williams of Charlotte, NC; one brother, Leroy Miller of Lane, SC; a special niece, Diana Howard of Fort Myers, FL; one aunt, Ida Dingle of St. Stephen, SC; a special cousin, Barbara Ann King of Jacksonville, FL; six sisters-in-law, Decora Howard and Mae Howard, both of Fort Myers, FL, Rosa (Coleman) Stewart of Charlotte, NC, Margaree Bennett, Carrie Bennett, and Mary (Matthew) Prince all of Manning, SC; two brothers-in-law, John Roberts, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL and Herbert (Patricia) Roberts of Manning, SC; special friends, Rev. James and Sister Patricia Henry, Rev. Willie and Sister Ethel Lee Tucker, Shedrick Brown, Thomas Bright, Helen Thompson, Jonathan Felder, Ella Sumpter, Sandra Harden, Elnora Simpson, Christina Rouse, and Sadie Cooper; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family is receiving friends and family at his late residence, 131 Broomstraw Road, Lane, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.