He was born in Smithfield, NC, on April 13, 1956, son of the late William Howard “Bill” and Annie Bell Strickland. Howard, a 1975 graduate of Smithfield Selma Senior High School, was active in sports and a member of the NJROTC. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably for many years.

Howard was an avid chess player; he championed many with his skills and taught others to play and enjoy the game. He had a wide reaching musical taste and enjoyed all varieties of music. His love of music was part of his eclectic lifestyle. Howard was a true lover of sports, especially basketball, and could quote sports statistics and plays without fail. He also studied several varieties of martial arts and meditation. Always charismatic and extremely charming, he never met a stranger.  

Howard is survived by dear cousins, Yvonne (Donnie) Nixon, Phebia McIver, Donnie Nixon III, Timothy Nixon, Yevette Nixon, Henry McCrae, Cleveland McCrae, Wynee (Nicey) Joyner, Tony Berry, Ray Baylor, Ted, Baylor, Angelo Baylor,  and several other cousins and friends.

Viewing----Friday Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm. This will be a walk thru viewing maximum of 10 persons in the building at once, Facial Coverings are required.

Chapel Service-- Saturday December 5, 2020 at 11:30 am in the Walter Sanders Chapel for family members only maximum 20 persons, Facial coverings and Social distancing required. 

Interment---  Monday December 7, 2020 for immediate family members only  at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery Goldsboro, NC 

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