James Burkett Howard

James Burkett Howard, 90, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 19, 2015, at Medical Center Enterprise.The family will receive friends at Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory in Enterprise from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Wednesday, April 22, 2015. A private family graveside service and burial will be at Meadowlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Enterprise YMCA, 904 Ozark Highway, Enterprise, AL 36330 or to your favorite charity.Mr. Howard was born on March 5, 1925, in Panama City, FL, to Dottie Grace and Henry Howard. He attended school in Bay County, FL. After graduation from high school, Mr. Howard joined the Army Air Corps. Following basic training in Miami, FL, he began his journey to becoming a pilot. After World War II ended, Mr. Howard left the military to attend college at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, where he was one of the first 100 men to attend Florida State University, formerly known as Florida State College for Women. He received a BS Degree in Science and a Masters Degree in Supervision and Administration. While at FSU, Mr. Howard met and later married Pat Dekle, daughter of Tom and Helene Dekle of Chipley, FL. They started their married life off in Moultrie, GA. After five years, they moved to Dothan, AL, and then to Enterprise, AL, where they have spent the last 54 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and attended Wayne Williams Sunday School Class. He also served as an usher for many years. He was a member of the Enterprise Country Club where he loved to play golf. Mr. Howard served in the US Army Reserve for 31 years and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He also worked with Civil Service at Ft. Rucker, AL for over 30 years. His last job was with the Department of Standards and Evaluations. He retired at the age of 60 years.Mr. Howard was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Nadine Howard and Helon Griffin. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pat Howard, Enterprise, AL; two children, Cindi Wehrly (David), Oak Ridge, TN and Rick Howard (Brenda), Enterprise, AL; five grandchildren, Josh Howard (Hannah), Enterprise, AL, Leah Wehrly, Murfreesboro, TN, Andrew Wehrly, Cookeville, TN, Caleb Howard, Mobile, AL, Marie Howard, Mobile, AL; two great-grandchildren, McKinley and Davis Howard, Enterprise, AL.Pat and family wish to express their appreciation to all the wonderful friends, family and members of First Baptist church that have been so kind in every way during his illness. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Burkett Howard, please visit our flower store.