Rev. Ira G. Howard

The Rev. Dr. Ira G. Howard, Jr., 85, passed away late Sunday night at Wilcox Hall, Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center.

Ira was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Upon completion of seminary, he ministered in Florida and in 1976 he came to Kingsport where he ministered at Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church until retiring.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley P. Howard of the home; children, Nathan Howard, Nashville, TN, Joanne Howard, Nashville, TN, Mark Howard and wife Luanne, Nashville, TN, Sara Ann Howard, Greensboro, NC, and Adam Howard and wife Tracy, Gray, TN; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Cora Ellen Hopkins, Monneson, PA, Claudia Jean Casson, Portage, IN, and Nancy Jane Marcotte, Charleroi, PA; several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2013, at Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church with Rev. Marshall D. Steinle officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park with friends serving as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Memorial Fund at Reedy Creek Presbyterian Church, 6044 Orebank Road, Kingsport, TN 37664.