John Charles Howard passed away on September 1 , 2026, at the age of 87.

John was born on April 17, 1939, in Arlington, Virginia. He graduated from Washington-Lee

High School and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, now Virginia Tech. John also proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve.

Throughout his professional life, John was committed to leadership, service, and the communities and organizations he represented. During his years in Lenoir, North Carolina, he served as Director of the Caldwell Economic Development Commission, where he worked to support economic growth and opportunity throughout Caldwell County.

John later served as the Chief Operating Officer of The Presbyterian Layman, reflecting another important part of his life—his faith and his commitment to the Presbyterian Church.

John is preceded by his parents Charles and Elizabeth Howard; survived by his wife, Patricia Howard of Lenoir; sister Betty Hutchison of Leesburg, VA; five children, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and two nephews.

A service celebrating John's life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Lenoir Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.