Bennie Lee Howard, Jr. was born on June 21, 1953 to the parentage of Mr. Bennie and Lillian Rowe Howard of Hobson City, Alabama. Mr. Howard confessed Christ at an early age and joined Welcome Chapel CME Church, where he served on the Trustee Board until his death.

He graduated from Calhoun County Training School in 1970 and worked for Lee Brass for many years until his health declined. Mr. Howard was loved by many in the community and will be dearly missed.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: two daughters, Talika Howard of Buffalo, New York and Kristy Howard-Hall (Darius) of Snellville, Georgia; one son, Justin Ridley of Oxford, Alabama; one sister, Mary Helen Harris (Jesse) of Anniston, Alabama; two brothers, Robert Howard of Los Angeles, California and Reginald Howard (Renita) of Copperas Cove, Texas; two granddaughters, Shanique Hall and Anyssah Johnson; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Bennie and Lillian Rowe Howard; his siblings, Carolyn Howard Gray, Eloise Howard, Fredrick Howard, Lillian Howard Gary and Willie Howard.