Danny Howard | Eastern NC Now

    It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Danny Howard, who peacefully departed this life at home on January 28, 2025, at the age of 71. Danny was a beloved husband, father, and brother.

    Danny was born on March 28, 1953, in Mt. Olive, NC, to the late Ralph and Clara Marie Howard. He grew up in a large family of eight children who often gathered around the kitchen table. He grew up singing and attending a Pentecostal Holiness Church where he and his brothers formed The Howard Quartet. He graduated from Southern Wayne High School and later attended Wayne Community College earning credits in HVAC.

    He spent most of his life helping others, first as a Volunteer Fireman and then as an employee with the Town of Mt. Olive Fire Department where he earned the rank of Captain. He and his wife were married on November 23, 1985, which for employment reasons sent them to Chapel Hill. Upon moving there, he became employed in maintenance with the Carol Woods Retirement Community. After three years they made their home in Washington, NC, and he worked with Fountain Powerboats for a short period of time until he became employed with Ridgewood Manor Nursing Home and Rehabilitation as their Maintenance Supervisor. Danny could fix almost anything, and he spent a lot of time tinkering on projects. He thoroughly enjoyed cooking for his family and opened his door and table to those who stopped by. During his retirement, he enjoyed watching and feeding the birds and keeping the yard where he could always be found listening to traditional bluegrass and classic rock music. He preferred the radio over TV, listening to music, commentaries, and sermons. He gained great joy from his Goldendoodle furry friend, Ellie Mae. He was a member of First Methodist Church Washington along with his wife.

    Danny is survived by his wife of 39 years, Linda Parvin Howard; daughter, Déra Courtney Howard of Washington, NC; son, Danny Carroll Howard II and his wife Alexis Price Howard of Kinston, NC; three brothers, Bobby Howard of Mt. Olive, NC, Steve Howard and his wife Linda Faye Howard of LaGrange, NC, Tim Howard of Grantham, NC; a sister, Carolyn Howard Barfield and her husband Tim Barfield of Ayden, NC, and many nieces and nephews.

    Special appreciation is extended to Rachel Oliver, Fiddle; Josh Campbell, Banjo; and Davis Miles, Guitar for their music during the service.

    In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters; Ann Howard Brock and Jerry Lynn Howard Kornegay; and a brother, Glenn Howard.

    A memorial graveside service will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, NC, officiated by Rev. Ken Hall, Jr., and Rev. Stephen Bazan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First Methodist Church Washington, 304 West Second Street, Washington, NC 27889, the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center, 1209 Brown Street, Washington, NC 27889, or a charity of one's choice.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Howard family.