WILBURN THOMAS "W.T." HOWARD

WILBURN THOMAS "W.T." HOWARD, of Hiland Park died Sunday night, August 1, 2010 in a local hospital, with all of his loved ones around him. He was born on December 22, 1919 in Slocomb, Alabama and then moved with his family to Panama City in 1922. He was a master mason and a master mechanic, well known in the community for his expertise. His first love was the Lord, followed by his love for his beautiful wife, Bettie, and his children; then his love for fishing especially on Howard's creek in WeWa. Also, he was an amassing farmer and had a reputation of growing the hottest peppers in town.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen P. Howard, his father, "Pa" Henry T. Howard, his brothers, Julian Howard, Amos Howard, Milburn Howard, Hilburn Howard, and a sister, Mildred Howard Snow, a son, James Thomas Howard, and two daughters, Mary Joan Howard and Sharon F. Murphy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bettie L. Howard, one son, Wilburn D. "Butch" Howard (Donna) of Virginia, and three daughters, Janice K. Roberts (Bill) of Lynn Haven, Nancy F. Ruthven (Mike) of Panama City, and Pat H. Bamond (John) of Okolona, Arkansas. His grandchildren are Lori H. Slattery (Todd), Jennifer Howard (Ezra), Kyle-Evon Howard (Leanna), Cynthia V. Danner, Katherine D. Robles, W. Steven Roberts (Thelma), Angela R. Tucker (John), Brenda R. Taylor (Andrew), Kathy M. Hershey (Ray), Michael J. Murphy (Sheila), Nancy R. Garcia (Zach), and Melanie R. Ellis (Bruce). He has 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Also, he has several nieces and nephews including one special niece, Mary E. Howard.
The family would like to thank all of their friends for their recent prayers and love, especially neighbors, Frances and Peggy Bolin. Also, a big hug and kiss for extra love and attention given by "Little" Mike and Shelia. A big thank you goes to his son-in-law, Mike, who he depended on so greatly; and one of his last words was to take good care of Mike. Also, a great big thank you to Dr. Sidney Daffin, and Dr. Timothy Moriarty. And to everyone as Papa would say "I love you all a whole heap a bunch".
The family will receive friends at Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday, August 5, 2010 from 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral services will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, August 6, 2010 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. David Warren and the Rev. Michael Murphy conducting the service, followed with burial at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Mike Ruthven, 1204 Tyndall Drive, Panama City, FL.

Wilson Funeral Home