Death date: Nov 25, 2017
Don Franklin Howard, Sr., age 85, of Mableton passed away November 25, 2017. Don served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict on the USS Midway. He retired from the Georgia Power Company in 1989 after 33 years of service. Don Read Obituary
My Dad was an amazing man. As he got older he talked more and told a lot of stories about his childhood growing in Atlanta around the campus of Georgia Tech. He played football at O’Keefe High School which is now the ROTC building for Tech. He told me one time that He ran into Coach Bobby Dodd and he told him he expected to see him playing for him at Tech. Dad told me that there was no way he could ever pass calculus. His neighbor was a recruiter and assistant coach at Tech and would give him sideline passes. My Dad had enlisted in the Naval Reserves during his Junior year of high school and was drafted immediately upon graduation. He said that he wanted to serve his country and was soon off to basic training and on the USS Midway aircraft carrier. He always had stories to tell about his two years on the carrier.
As his health got worse in and out of the hospital the past few months he talked about going to see his wife, mother and brother in Heaven. On Thanksgiving Day November 23rd I confirmed with him that Jesus Christ was his Lord and Savior and he said yes, and I then told him that he would see Mother (his wife), Nanny (his Mother) and Billy (his brother) and Clyde (his father) in heaven. I told told him though that I wanted him to stay with us as Long as possible, however. He talked about seeing loved one’s and then went back to telling Atlanta childhood stories. He was very entertaining to the point that my daughter (Meredith, his grand daughter) videotaped an interview with him a few years ago, because she enjoyed listening to his stories. I’m glad we have this recording to watch now.
My Dad will be missed immensely, but the most important thing is I know that he is in Heaven in his new glorious body with my Mother and other loved one’s that knew Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This is the good news and the most comforting thing I know. Dad, I love you, Scott
Jennifer, I did not have the pleasure of meeting your father. I can't imagine the heartbreak you are experiencing. I watched the slideshow and thank you for sharing a glimpse of what your life was like with him. May you and your family feel comfort and peace. Thinking of you. Valerie
My deepest condolences for the loss of Don. May he rest in peace.
In our thoughts and prayers,
Bill & Janet Campbell
