Eddie Lee Howard left us far too soon on March 2, 2016. He was born on November 23, 1947 to Lillie Bell Jones and Lige Smith in Lexa Arkansas. He was one of seven wonderful children.
He proudly served his country as a member of the US Army, Combat Engineer battalion during the Vietnam War campaign.
He married the love of his life, Karen Howard on July 9th, 1977. They were married in her parent's backyard and always loved a good party. On February 5th, 1979, they were blessed with a baby girl, Sharon Marie.
Eddie was a strong believer in the strength of our minds. He practiced meditation every day. He always said "You can achieve any goal you set your mind to. Just visualize where you want to be and it will happen."
He was a great role model and amazing father. Always reminding his daughter that she could be anything she wanted to be. He was always there for his family.
Eddie enjoyed the outdoors and spent many weekends with his family camping, fishing and going on bike rides. On weekends where he chose to stay in and relax, he never let a good NASCAR race go to waste. His passion for classic cars will forever be in our memory. He was looking forward to completing a restoration on a 56 GMC truck upon his retirement.
Once Eddie's grandchildren were born, a new light came on in his life. He loved those boys with all of his heart. They brought so much joy to his life. He loved to spoil his grandchildren with sleepovers that include movies, treats and video games.
He worked at Northrop Grumman for 35 years. The relationships that he developed over the years with his coworkers was truly special. He would absolutely call them family.
Eddie is survived by his daughter Sharon Marie Frome, her husband, Nate and their two children Nathaniel Jr, and Maxwell; Siblings Earnest Harris, Sammie Smith, Karen Ash, Sharon Ash, and Kenneth Ash.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Karen Howard; his mother Lillie Bell Jones, and his brother Elige Smith Jr.
The family would like to thank all who cared for and visited him during his last few days.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy. There will be a viewing on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 6:00 ‚ 8:00 p.m. as well as on Saturday morning from 9:30 ‚ 10:45 a.m. at the same location.
