I wrote this obituary for my grandfather the day he died, January 26, 2018. It wasn’t published, but writing it was cathartic.
Captain Albert “Bert” William Howard, Jr. USN (retired), 87, of Charleston, South Carolina entered into eternal life on January 26, 2018 peacefully in his sleep.
A memorial service will be held at Bishop Gadsden. Captain Howard’s sons-in-law the Rev. Robert S. Lawrence and the Rev. Robert W. Grose will officiate. A private burial at Beaufort National Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Captain Howard was born on July 23, 1930 in Atlanta, Georgia to Albert and Ella Mae Howard. He spent much of his childhood in Siler City and Black Mountain, North Carolina before moving to Gainesville, Florida where he met and fell in love with Mary Anne Canova. He graduated from Gainesville High School in 1948 and matriculated at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Shortly after being commissioned an Officer in the United States Navy, he was wed to Mary Anne on August 30, 1952. They welcomed into the world their first daughter, Lynn, on March 25, 1954 in Honolulu, Hawaii and their second daughter, Lisa, on November 26,1957 in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Captain Howard had a distinguished career as a Naval Aviator, holding multiple commands throughout. He served in Korea and Vietnam, was stationed all over the country and world, and was even known as “the mayor of the Pentagon.” He lived a life of service and was a true model of servant leadership both in and out of the military.
Upon retirement from the Navy, he and his wife settled in Melrose, Florida for a number of years before moving to Indian River Colony Club in Melbourne, Florida where they resided until their move to Charleston in 2011. In his retirement, he worked fervently as a member of his church vestries, community organizations, and as a VA volunteer. He was dedicated to helping others no matter the cost. He loved playing tennis and was blessed to be able to do so into his 80s.
Most of all, he was known for being the most wonderful and thoughtful husband, father, and grandfather. He led his family with grace, compassion, and integrity—always encouraging anyone he came across to “Press On!”
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Anne Howard, daughters Lynn Lawrence (Bob) and Lisa Grose (Rob), granddaughter Anne Gaskill (Scott), grandsons Stratton (Hunter), Newman (Trish), and Will Henry Lawrence (Ellie), and six great-grandsons Danny, Josh, Bennett, McRae, Hank, and Huck.