Freddie Hillard Howard

Freddie Hillard Howard, Sr., son of the late Julius Earl “Swept” and Ruth Fitts Howard was born July 3, 1922 in Littleton, North Carolina. On Tuesday evening, October 1, 2002, God sent His Angel of Mercy to carry him into eternal life. Freddie Hillard Howard, Sr., reserved his place in eternal life by confessing his faith in Christ while attending the Olive Grove Elementary School at Olive Grove Baptist Church, in 1933. Freddie Hillard Howard, Sr. enjoyed life: especially spending ordinary times and special occasions with family and friends, fishing, gardening and traveling. He had a uniquely great sense of humor. He loved joking, laughter and making people happy. In his early years, he was educated at Olive Grove Elementary and Warren County Training Schools. He worked with his father on the farm and at the sawmill. He loved to play with his brothers and sisters, family and friends. For a brief time, he lived and worked in the Tidewater area of Virginia. Freddie Hillard Howard, Sr., served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from 1944 to 1946. He was honorably discharged. Returning to Littleton, N.C., he studied a construction trade at the McIvery School. In 1947, he moved to Baltimore. He married Hattie Beatrice Wilkins, also of Littleton, N.C., in 1948. This union was blessed with five children; Claudia, Annette, M. Renee, Freddie Hillard “Skip” Jr., Eric Cromwell “Scoop” and Susan Howard. In Baltimore, he continued his Christian walk at Faith Baptist Church. An active church member, he fellowshipped and served there. He served his family, church and community. In Church, he was a member of the Layman’s League… a bible study fellowship and assisted his son Freddie Jr. in videotaping church events. He often gave away much of his fish catch and crops from his backyard garden, affectionately known as Howard’s Farm. Also, he served his community as a house painter. He was employed by Bethlehem Steel at Sparrows Point from December 15, 1948 to April 1, 1983, (thirty-five). There, he served in various positions as his career advanced. Also, he was a loyal member of the Steelworkers’ Union. After retirement, he was regularly seen on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean fishing for family and friends dinner. He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. He is survived by: three daughters; Claudia Howard of Columbia, MD, M. Renee Howard and Susan Howard Dougherty of Randallstown, MD; two sons, Freddie Jr. of Baltimore, MD and Eric Howard of Berwyn Heights, MD; two sons-in-law, Ben Cassidy and Wilbur Dougherty; daughter-in-law, Mary Thompson; five grandchildren, Freddie Howard, III, Clinton Howard, Crystal and Jade Dougherty, Michael Schoenecker; four great grandchildren, four sisters, Mrs. Elaine Flood, Mrs. Lucie Thompson, Mrs. Cleo Coakley and Mrs. Dollie Blue; two brothers-in-law, Reverend W. W. Flood and Mearn Thompson; and a devoted friend, Anne Pitts, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Freddie Hillard Howard

July 3, 1922 - October 1, 2002