William Howington

Mr. William Crawford Howington, 85, of Shelby, NC, died Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center. Born on May 4, 1924 in Cleveland County to Zed Wilson & Jessie Patrick Howington, William held an affection for Cleveland County and his family throughout his life. He loved conversing with people, and was renound for always having jokes to share. He was constantly on a quest to lift everyone's sprits around him. Following high school and trade school, he served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. After his time in the Navy, William returned home to marry his high school sweetheart and start a famimly. William worked for and retired from the U. S. Postal Service for 31 years. For many years, William was an integral part of the community of New London, NC as the postmaster. When not working and raising a family, William always filled his life to the brim with activities. A member of Boiling Springs Baptist Church and Bob Abramb's Sunday School Class, the Lions Club, and NARFE, he also served the community as a deacon and Sunday school director. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed bowling, fishing, and watching all sports on television, cheering for the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Braves, UNC Tarheels, and the Duke Univ. Blue Devils. Not a day passed when he did not think about his impeccable garden that he worked in every summer. He also loved spending time with church friends on trips. Most importantly, he valued his family. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by four brothers, Grady, Herman, Hugh, and Zed Jr.; and two sisters, Erie Dell Worley and Una Morgan. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he constantly had passion for his family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Iva Ledbetter Howington of the home, two daughters, Anna Warner of Shelby, NC, and Betsy Trexler and husband Mark of Salisbury, NC; six brothers, Nolan Howington of Nashville, Hal Howington of Blacksburg, SC, Hoyt Howington of Tega Kay, SC, Horace Howington of Plymouth, NC, Robert Howington of Shelby and Dwight Howington of Conyers, Ga; four granddaughters, Stephanie Hanners and husband Ray, April Hathcock and husband Kevin, Brandie Vanhoy, and Collyn Warner, and tow great-grandchildren, Rhiannon and Haiden Hanners. Funeral services will be conducted by Dr. Carroll Page pastor of Boiling Springs Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Boiling Springs Baptist Church, P. O. Box 917, Boiling Springs, NC 28017 or the Children's Home Society of North Carolina, Inc., P. O. Box 229, Greensboro, NC 27405