Wednesday, July 1, 2026 11:44 am

Billy Osborne "Bill" Howard passed away May 3, 2026 at the age of 96.

Bill resided in Tarpon Springs, FL. Bill was born in Mooresville, NC in 1930 and moved to Spindale in 1935 with his parents, Ollie and Ray Howard and sister Doris Howard Cole (all deceased).

Bill was a member of Spindale United Methodist Church. Bill graduated from R.S. Central High School.

In 1950 he married his high school sweetheart, Ann Blanton. They remained married for 72 years until she passed in 2021. Not long after their wedding, Bill joined the Navy to serve during the Korean War. During this conflict he made two deployments from San Diego, CA to Korea aboard the Attack Transport Ship USS Magoffin (APA 199). Bill served honorably and proudly on active duty four years as a Navy Corpsman (Medic). He remained in the Navy Reserves for many years following his active service.

Bill graduated from Gardner Webb University. Bill worked as a Pharmaceutical Representative before becoming manager of Bio-Med Laboratories in Columbia, SC. Bill retired in 1980 and he and wife Ann moved to Florida. They began a successful national fabric distribution business. Bill moved back to Spindale in 1988 and managed their own Courier Service, a company which serviced the needs of the local textile industry.

Bill spent many years coaching Spindale area American Legion teams.

Bill is greatly missed by his daughter Debbie, son Michael, and wife Suzanne, four grandchildren, Jennifer, Carrie, Patrick, and Katie, and two great grandchildren Amelia and Paxton.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM Sun., July 5 at First United Methodist Church; 264 N. Main St., Rutherfordton with Rev. Eric Marshburn officiating.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Empath Suncoast Hospice; 164 W. Lake Rd., Palm Harbor, FL 34684.

Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com. Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family.