Billy "Turkey" Charles Howard

Billy was born in Weir, Mississippi. Billy graduated from high school in Pascagoula, Mississippi where he enjoyed playing baseball and football. He graduated from Perkinson Junior College and he was accepted for Officers Training School in Pensacola, Florida. His naval career started at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida. This career had him stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, Gainesville, Florida, Meridian, Mississippi, and Naples, Italy. Billy retired as Commander in the Navy after 22 years of service. As a fighter pilot he flew different jets and routinely made many carrier landings. His most prestigious assignment was being asked to fly Astronaut James Lovell from the recovery ship to Cape Canaveral after the final flight of the Gemini Mission in 1966.

Billy married Barbara Ann Pound in 1957. They were married 58 years until Barbara’s death in 2010. Together they have three daughters, Stephanie Ann Morris, Jennifer Lynn Gumba, and Melanie Rae Howard. Billy has ten grandchildren: Ian, Piper, Charlien, Danielle, Joseph, Johnathon, Michelle, Carson, Kyle, Kellie, and eight great grandchildren: John David (JD), Ava, Olivia, Xander, Addison, Lucas, Zoe, and Kylie. After living many places, most resulting from their military life, Billy and Barbara retired in Knoxville, Tennessee. Both enjoyed experiencing four seasons, travels, and cultivating lasting friendships.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents and siblings. After his father, James Coy Howard, passed when Billy was two years old, his mother, Annie Josephine Harris, remarried John Edward Blair. Billy’s blended family included 7 siblings: JC, Johnny, James, Woodrow, Wayne, and Edna.

Billy, affectionally called “Turkey”, had the most infectious laugh and always loved a great joke. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and good friend to many. He was adored by all who knew him, and he will be dearly missed.

A memorial service has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 4, 1pm at Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation honoring America’s first responders, veterans and their families (https://t2t.org) or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BerryHighlandWest.com for the Howard family.