Mr. Thomas Raye Howard, Sr., formerly of 3245 Parrish Road and born April 8, 1947, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, departed his earthly life on November 19, 2022, at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Salisbury, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents William Gentry and Rebecca Howard, as well as his brothers Larry Howard and Billy Howard.

Deacon Howard leaves to cherish dear memories his beautiful and caring wife of 46 years, Annie Sims Howard. He also leaves to cherish his memory, two brothers: Jerry Howard, of Winston-Salem, NC, and Anthony (Cynthia) Howard of Myrtle Beach, SC, and one sister, Barbara Howard Wilson of Winston-Salem, NC. He leaves his loving children, daughters Melissa Howard, of Charlotte, NC; Kimberly (Kim) Howard of Winston-Salem, NC; and a son, Thomas (Tommy) Howard, Jr., of Winston-Salem, NC. Deacon Howard's beautiful grandchildren: Ke'Tonna Howard of Winston-Salem, NC; Thomaz Howard Johnson of Atlanta, GA; Deonte Howard of Charlotte, NC; and his "best friend," and youngest grand, Clayton (CJ) Green, Jr., of Winston-Salem, NC, are also left to cherish his memory. He leaves one great granddaughter, Ta'Leah Givens of Winston-Salem, NC. Deacon Howard leaves one sister-in-love, Odessa Sims, and one brother-in-love, Willie Sims, both of Winston-Salem, NC. He leaves a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, church family, and friends.

Deacon Howard was a member of Union Baptist Church for over 65 years, under the former pastors Dr. Abraham McDaniel, Dr. B.F. Daniels, and current pastor Bishop Sir Walter Lee Mack, Jr.. Deacon Howard was a junior deacon under the leadership Dr. Abraham McDaniel and was ordained Senior Deacon under Dr. B.F. Daniels' leadership. Deacon Howard served most recently on the Security Ministry until his health started declining. As a Christian, Deacon Howard loved serving his church, served in many ministries, and loved his pastor, Bishop Mack.


Deacon Howard was a 1966 graduate of Atkins High School and Winston-Salem Business College. He retired from Sears, Roebuck & Company, after 37 years of service in the Major Appliance Department. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving in the Vietnam War. A public viewing will be held Friday November 25, 2022, from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held Saturday November 26, 2022, at 12pm from Union Baptist Church and interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:30pm until 12pm at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.