LINCOLNTON, N.C. - Michael Eugene Howard, age 75, of Lincolnton, formerly of Sherrill’s Ford passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Atrium Health Hospital – Lincoln.

He was born June 11, 1949 in Lincoln County and was the oldest son of the late Robert Eugene and Wilma Bethany Painter Howard.

Left to cherish his memory is son Clay Howard and wife Colleen of Mooresville; daughter,

Bethany Justin and husband Garry of Mooresville; twin grandchildren that he dearly loved, Carter and Carson Howard; brothers, Nelson Howard and wife Mary Anne of Hickory, Marshall Howard and wife Vanda of Denver; sisters, Darlene Gibson and husband Kenny of Lincolnton and Tresa Norton and husband Ron of Denver; he also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. 

Mike was a member of the last graduating class of Rock Springs High School, Denver in 1967 and earned his BA degree from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem in 1971.  Mike served in the National Guard during his college years and several years after where he trained as an air traffic controller.  

Straight out of college Mike used his degree working as a salesman with Heinz Corporation and Canteen Corporation.   But his passion was realized when he began working for Christian Tours doing Charter Bookings and Hosting as a Tour Director.   He continued his passion of working with people when he began driving the NC Lion’s Club Vision Van all around North Carolina providing free eye examinations until his health forced him to retire. 

Mike was a unique individual and was truly a people person with a big heart.  He made it a point to talk to anyone willing to listen.  He would send his large family of aunts, uncles, and cousins and friends birthday cards each year until he could no longer write at which time he began calling to say “Happy Birthday” or actually sing his special rendition to them.   

He loved Rock Springs Camp meeting and would always arrange his schedule so he was available to sing in the choir.   He made joyful noises to the Lord for many years.  Additionally, he was a charter member and long-time active member of Westport Baptist Church where he was director of Vacation Bible School, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir.  

Mike lettered in basketball, baseball and football and put himself through college by becoming a North Carolina referee.  He was proud of the many experiences he had calling games and often reminisced about calling a football game by himself when the other refs didn’t show up.  He had a keen mind and could remember every game detail and recall player’s numbers, scores, plays, etc. Additionally, he knew much trivia about any high school, college or professional player you mentioned.  

He loved watching sports, singing gospel songs and watching Jeopardy. - He often answered most or all of the questions correctly including Final Jeopardy.

Mike suffered many years with Fibromyalgia that compromised his mobility.  Recently he developed Chronic Leukemia and various other issues.   He survived one major stroke and several seizure episodes before succumbing to the most recent ones.  

Mike was loved by many and will be truly missed by his family and friends. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday July 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Burke Mortuary Chapel at 1101 East Maiden Road, Maiden, NC 28650 with Pastor Jeff Harris officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 2858 NC #150, Lincolnton, NC 28092.

Memorials may be made to the NC Lions Club Foundation, c/o Camp Dogwood, 7062 Camp Dogwood Drive – Sherrill’s Ford, NC 28673.

Visit www.burkemortuary.com to register your condolences.

Burke Mortuary of Maiden, N.C. is serving the Howard family.