Howard Wilson Caraway Jr.

CARAWAY Howard Wilson Caraway, Jr., 57, entered eternity and the gates of glory on October 13, 2017, after a courageous year-long battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He passed away peacefully at home in Jacksonville, FL, surrounded by his loving family. Knowing the finality of the disease, his desire was to glorify God by maintaining a positive attitude, and loving his family and friends sacrificially until his last breath, all of which he accomplished successfully.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, the late Bettie Jean (2015) and Howard Wilson Caraway (1969). After bearing three daughters, it was their deep desire to have a son to carry on the family name. Therefore, on November 16, 1959, a little red-haired Howard, Jr. was born, much to the joy of his parents and older sisters!

Howard lived an abundant and rewarding life, building a rapport with everyone he met both personally and professionally. He grew up in Riverside, attended West Riverside Elementary from 1965-70 and then went on to graduate from Robert E. Lee High School in 1977. He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Collins in 1983, who would later become his best friend and closest confidant. He then joined the US Army, serving two years at Fort Bragg, NC, where he earned a “Good Conduct Medal”. After his discharge, Howard proudly served 4 years in the Army Reserves at NAS Jacksonville. It was then Howard embraced his calling to become a teacher and earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of North FL (UNF). He taught for 8 years prior to earning a master’s degree from UNF in Education Leadership. He was quoted in a Times Union article as saying, “My dad passed away when I was 9 and that was very painful. I thought maybe I could help children who had been through something similar.” In 1985 Howard took the position as Principal of his old alma mater, West Riverside Elementary. Teachers and students alike were filled with excitement! He told his staff at that time “When we’re successful it’s because of you and when we’re not it’s because of me.” He also had a trademark of telling students they were loved. His 25+ years as an educator molded the young lives of thousands of children who loved and adored him just as he did them. His spirit lives on as an inspiration to be kind, caring and good to others.

Howard loved the beach and traveling with his family. Prior to becoming so physically debilitated, Howard’s “bucket list” included a trip to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC, a captivating trip to Las Vegas, a breathtaking drive along the Pacific Coast Highway in California, a trip to visit family in North Carolina, and going to infamous Niagara Falls. He was a loving husband, devoted father, doting brother and brother-in law, and a faithful friend to all that knew him. To know Howard was to love him.

Howard is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Elizabeth Dunn Caraway; two devoted sons, Howard Wilson Caraway, III, (aka Trey) and William Clark Caraway. Family survivors include 3 sisters, Eva Caraway, Linda Forshee (Gary), Anita Sowers (Chuck), numerous beloved nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-n-law, and a dear mother-in-law. A myriad of warmhearted friends also survives him, many of which were considered extended family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a memorial contribution be made to the Florida Chapter of the ALS Association by going to the following link, http://webfl.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FL_homepage. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to NE Florida Hospice for their compassionate care during a most challenging time. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

Arrangements entrusted to Hardage Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, where a Visitation will be held Wednesday Oct.18,2017 from 5:30 to 7pm. Funeral Services will be Thursday October 19, 2017 at Riverside Baptist Church 2250 Park ST. Jacksonville Fl. 32204 at 11am, followed by a lunch reception and committal at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2;30pm, with honors presented by the United States Army.