Obituary
It is with saddened hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of James Richard Howard, 89, of Orlando, FL, on April 2, 2024. A cherished patriarch and esteemed member of the Orlando community, Richard left us surrounded by his loving family, just one month before his 90th birthday.
Born on May 6, 1934, in Orlando, Richard was a true Floridian at heart. He briefly lived in Ocala during the early 1960s, where he managed an orange grove and occasionally transported horses for local farms. However, Orlando was where he spent the majority of his life, graduating from Boone High School as part of its first class in 1953. He proudly participated in the school’s 50-year anniversary football scrimmage, rekindling memories of his time as a football player and member of the Future Farmers of America.
Richard’s professional life was marked by his role as a skilled welder and the owner of Howard Equipment. His work took him across Florida and the southeastern United States, where he specialized in servicing and installing natural gas lines and equipment. His expertise was widely recognized, leading to significant projects for local theme parks, hotels, and the homes of celebrities.
Richard raised eight children, imparting his values of hard work, patience, and kindness. His mechanical and handyman prowess was matched only by his calming presence during challenging times. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and tending to his backyard garden that produced a variety of vegetables, pineapples, berries, and flowers. He favored tropical orchids, which thrived under his attentive care. His compassion extended to the animal kingdom, as he looked after a lineage of feral cats that roamed his backyard.
He was a proud member of the Florida Propane Gas Association and enjoyed the camaraderie of the Winter Park Elks Lodge #1830, where he was a regular at Friday night gatherings.
Richard is survived by his sons Stephen Richard, William Stanley, Robert Scott and their spouses; stepdaughters Michelle, Kristin, Jana and Paula and spouses; son-in-law Terry; 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; 10 great, great grandchildren, and a host of extended family members who will miss him dearly.
Preceding him in death are his second wife of 45 years, Louann (Ann) Howard, daughter Stephanie Walker, brothers Paul, Sonny and Bobby, his sister Mary, and two grandsons.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be planned at a later date, to be announced.
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