Howard was a baseball fan and loved playing the game in his younger days as well as watching it. He worked 25 years as a coal miner before becoming disabled and retiring.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son Eric and wife Tiffany of Shady Spring, their daughters Kaleigh and Madison, a brother Kevin Akers and a sister Susan Reed of Virginia.
In accordance with Howard's wishes, he will be cremated, and no services are planned.
