Johnny Melvin Howard
Columbiana

Johnny Melvin Howard, age 74, of Columbiana, went to be with the Lord Monday, Sept. 2.

The visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 at Bolton Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 5 at the funeral home with Rev. Don Vanderslice and Rev. Wayne Horton officiating. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Gardens. Bolton Funeral Home is directing.

Johnny was a devoted member of Kingdom Baptist Church. For many years, he served as deacon, song director, and Sunday School teacher.

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Minnie Mae Howard; two brothers, Billy Joe and Louis; and one sister, Joyce Howard.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sara Higgins Howard; two devoted sons, Johnny Howard, Jr. (Pamela) and Ricky Howard (Tracie), seven grandchildren, Aaron, Wesley, Trey, Haley and Jacob Howard, and Blair and Colby Pierce; seven great grandchildren; and sister, Shirley Vanderslice.

He was a hardworking man and devoted to his family. He worked at OK Tire for 18 years before opening Howard Tire Service on May 1, 1980, being in business 40 years.

Johnny was a devoted servant to his community, being an active member of the Columbiana Fire Department for 40 years from 1967-2007. He loved his family, and built a beautiful life through hard work, dedication, and focus. He was an exceptional friend and wanted people to know they mattered to him. He was our leader, our heart, and we will never know another like him.

Please sign online condolences at Boltonfuneralhome.com.