William "Bill" Ray Howard was born on September 20, 1932, and departed this life on September 14, 2021.  He is the son of William C. and Connie Mills Howard of Spindale, North Carolina.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and retired after 23 years.  He continued his career with General Electric's Aerospace Division for 15 years.  Bill finally retired from all duty after another 25 years working Civil Service on Vandenberg A.F.B.  He was diligent in his duties to his country and with the many people and projects he worked.

He was a member of several churches in the area most notably Calvary Baptist Church in Vandenberg Village and New Hope Church in Santa Maria and was faithful to both until he was no longer able to physically.

Surviving is his one son, Keith Howard, currently of Phoenix, Arizona, and family members in the North Carolina and Washington D.C. areas.  He was predeceased by Mildred L. Howard and Bertie M. Howard who he will see again in heaven.

FINIS

The best of friends must some day part and yet we do not see

the hand of God writing still from Eternity.

For us it's trying to understand that our friends must go

but in the final resurrection all of us will know.

In our parting there's a blessing that we do not see.

The one that leaves us is better off than we.