Jerry Ralph Howard

Howard, Jerry Ralph born March 31, 1942 in Portageville, Missouri, passed away March 10, 2011 in Mesquite, TX. Preceded in death by parents, Ralph & Alba Howard; brother, Bob Howard. Survived by wife of 44 years, Katherine Howard; Daughter: Christie Howard Honeycutt and Son In Law, Russell Honeycutt, of Rockwall; Son: Kevin Heath and wife, Karen of Cordova, TN.; unexpected gift from God-Katherine Cartee and Rose Ramos; Grandchildren: Clay Honeycutt, Hunter Honeycutt, Brandi Cartee, Matt Cartee, Olivia Heath, Chloe Beth Heath, Tyler Ramos, Tony Ramos; 5 Great Grandchildren: Jonathon, River, Memphis, Casey, Canyon; Jerry's brothers: Truman Howard, Larry Howard; Jerry's sister: Georgia Hanna. Jerry attended school in Portageville, Missouri, and upon graduating from high school he attended Arkansas State in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Later he would serve in the National Guard as a medic and a member of their Comedy Team. Jerry and Katerine married and moved to Texas in 1967. Employed throughout the DFW area as a car salesman, he worked the last 13 years at the Brentwood Nursing Facility in Dallas where he will be dearly missed. His love of people led to countless hours of talking and laughter. When Katerine had her own hair salon as a hair dresser, one of his favorite things to do was to visit with her customers while enjoying an iced cold pop from the pop machine! Jerry and Katerine attended his 50th class reunion in Portageville, Missouri where he was proud of the new facility that had been donated and built in the middle of a huge cotton field. Anyone who knew Jerry realized quickly his passion for cooking and fishing. He enjoyed cooking for any occasion and fished every time he had the opportunity. Jerry had a special place in his heart for his pets, especially his dog! His love of family exemplified his love of God. He adored children, especially his grandchildren. Jerry became Poppy, a role that he was most proud of. Celebrating birthdays and holidays with his grandchildren, watching them participate in sporting events or school events brought him such pride and happiness. The time he spent with his grandchildren, teaching them to cook, fish, work in the garden or just having a conversation full of laughter will be forever a priceless memory. Family will receive friends at New Hope Funeral Home, Sunnyvale, TX on Friday, March 18th from 6pm - 8pm. A Memorial Service will be held on2:00PM Saturday March 19, 2011 at Community Life Church, Forney,204 FM 1641,Forney, TX 75126. clifec.com (directions are on their website) Memorial Contributions may be given to: CLife Community Church, Children's Ministry (In memory of Jerry Howard) P.O. Box 3209, 204 FM 1641, Forney, TX 75126