Joseph Gomer Howard Jr.

Joseph Gomer Howard Jr., 72, of Mabelvale went to be with his Heavenly Father on January 4, 2015 with his family by his side. He was born on January 8, 1942 to Joseph and Mary Howard in Greenville, South Carolina. Joe was very outgoing, loving and hardworking man; if you knew him then you loved him. He was very proud to have served in the Armed Forces and to be employed with the Pulaski County Special School District where he enjoyed everyday picking up the kids for school and making sure they returned home safe and sound. He is a member of Village Creek Baptist Church. Joe retired after 25 years with Modern Homes. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Jean Howard; five children, Mike Howard (Donna), Tracy Davis (Glenn), Melissa Howard, Sharon Joslin (Roy) and Aaron Howard (Rhonda); two step sons, Robert Chafton (Laura) and Ritchie Chafton (Jamie); 16 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; special nephew, Kenny Grant and a host of family and friends who all loved him and will miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. Interment to follow at Ida Mission Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. The family would like to give a special thanks to all the chemo and radiation Doctors for the special care given to Joe during his long illness and to the church family for all the love and support. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.