Earl Sidney Howard

Mr. Earl Sidney Howard, 96, of Durham passed away Monday, November 6, 2023, at Brookdale Durham.  

Mr. Howard was born December 14, 1926, in Durham to the late Ervin Henderson Howard and Rebecca Adams Howard.

In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Johnson Howard; brother, Dalton Howard and sister, Helen Sears.

He is survived by a son, Earl Thomas “Tommy” Howard and wife Peggy of Dobson, N.C.; daughter, Tammie Sawaya and husband George of Durham; grandchildren, Lisa Alvarez, Jessica Ruark, Jordan Sawaya, Sydney Sawaya, Denise Darlington and Robin Creed; great grandchildren, Davide Alvarez, Isabella Alvarez, McKenzie Taylor Ruark, Payton Brianna Ruark, Madison and Maggie Creed, Michael Marion, Dennis Marion and Joseph Darlington.

Mr. Howard proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He attended Oak Grove High School, Kennedy Business School and 2 years at Elon College.  He retired after 25 years with Liggett & Meyers Tobacco Company. He was an Executive with Gary Tobacco Company (subsidiary of Liggett & Myers) and was in charge of all accounting records, purchasing, shipping and storage of Oriental tobacco.

During his younger years, he enjoyed golf, music, and getting together with the family during the holidays.  He would break out the hymn book and persuade his talented son to play the guitar or piano so that the family could sing together.

“Mr Earl” as he was known in his last 5 years at Brookdale never met a stranger.  During his first date with Dorothy, he knew she was the one he would marry even though she could never have kids.  However, God had a different plan and blessed them with 2 children 16 years apart to the day.  “Mr Earl” would share this story with everyone he met.  After Dorothy’s passing, all he wanted was to be with her.  He is now “home” with his beloved wife.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Officiating will be Reverend Hugh O’Shields.