James Howard

James Newton Howard, of 2412 Pleasant Gap Drive, Dry Fork, slipped away into Heaven on June 4, 2013 after a five year period of declining health. He was surrounded by his loving family at his bedside during the time of his passing. His family and friends will miss his caring and giving spirit and his eagerness to help whenever there was a need. He was affectionately called "Rounder" by those who knew him best and "Uncle Randall" by his many nieces and nephews. James was born on November 24, 1938 in the Semora community of Caswell County, North Carolina. He was a son of the late Gilbert Forest Howard and Fannie Louise Newton Howard. James is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eunice Snead Howard of the residence. They were married on November 28, 1959. He is also survived by a brother, Billy Howard and his wife, Linda of Mount Hermon, and three sisters, Elizabeth Saunders of Lynchburg, Louise Fuller and her husband, Matthew of Richmond, and Mussette Hendrick and her husband, Dan of Mount Hermon. James is also survived by eleven nieces and seven nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by four brothers, Gilbert Junior, John, Robert, and Frank as well as one nephew, Barry Michael Hedrick. James spent most of his adult life in the Dry Fork community. He was employed by Dan River, Inc. until his retirement in 2003. After retiring, he kept busy working on his land. He enjoyed farming, gardening, working, and spending time outdoors. He was an active member of Mount Hermon Baptist Church where he had served as an usher and as a member of the house and grounds committee. He also was a member of the King of Kings Sunday School class and a past member of the Mount Hermon Volunteer Fire Department. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, June 7, 2013 at Mount Hermon Baptist Church with the Reverend Freddie Vicks officiating. Interment will follow at Lamberth Memorial Baptist Church cemetery in Roxboro, North Carolina. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service on Friday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM and at other times will be at the residence 2412 Pleasant Gap Drive, Dry Fork, VA 24549.