Earl J. Howard, Sr.

EARL J. HOWARD, SR., 70

General Contractor

LAKELAND - Earl J. Howard, Sr. died Feb. 21, 2008 of respiratory failure at Palm Terrace Hospice House. He was 70.

Mr. Howard was born Aug. 27, 1937 in Bradenton, FL and was of the Baptist Faith. He owned and operated Howard Building Systems, General Contractors and served in the United States Marine Corps during Korea with the rank of E4, Sgt. He was a member of the American Legion, Kiwanis Club, active with the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Leader, President of North Lakeland Little League Baseball and coached Little League Football and Girls Softball.

He is survived by his wife Shelvery J. Howard, daughter Rhonda Smith, sons Earl J. Howard, Jr., Charles Howard, grandchildren Jennifer Davis, Heather Goldsmith, Kayla Howard, great grandchildren Riley Davis, Conner Davis, 1 brother, and 4 sisters.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Feb.26th at 3:00 p.m. at Gentry-Morrison, Northside Chapel. In-lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 500 S. Missouri Ave., Suite 500 Lakeland, FL 33815.

Arrangements by Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Northside Chapel.