Howard E. Sawyer

Howard E. Sawyer, 96, a World War II Veteran who served in the Army Air Corp for 3-1/2 years, went to be with our Heavenly Father on December 27, 2020, believing Jesus Christ was God’s only son who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried and on the third day rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead; blessed with the Holy Spirit, believing in the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the body and life everlasting with our Lord and Savior.

Howard was the third child of the late Marion Ophelia Grace and James Howard Sawyer they resided in the Cross Keys Community. He co-owned and operated Califf & Sawyer Auto Parts in East Macon and was a member of Cross Keys UMC for 73 yrs. After his church closed, he moved his membership to Gray UMC. He became a Master Macon in 1950 and was a member of Liberty Hill Lodge #308.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife: Bessie B Gatliff; sisters: Evelyn O. Phelps, Alice C. Edmondson, Susie J. Westmoreland, one brother: James S. Sawyer, and a great granddaughter: Kelsey D. Weeks. Survivor: one sister, Marion G. Ray of Macon, GA.

Howard met a wonderful young lady, Bessie B. Gatliff (deceased 2006) and married in March 1944 for 62 years. They were blessed with five children: Lynda S. Holliday of Byron, Gary H. (Barbara) Sawyer of Macon, Teresa S. (Grady) Grimsley, Bonnie S. (Bruce) Hunnicutt of Gray, and Connie S. (Jerry) McDougald of Macon. Grandchildren: Lisa H. Sunderman, G. Grant Sawyer, Lara H Moore, W. Lee Holliday, Cindy S. Fell, David E. Maddox, Angela G. Divine, Susan M. Barron, Becky G. Oliveros, Samuel J. Sawyer, Birch E. Sawyer, R. Cory Moore and Grant K. Moore; many great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter and many nieces & nephews.

Howard, nicknamed Hickie-Bo, enjoyed hunting in his younger years and for many years enjoyed fishing at Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville, where he taught many family members and friends to swim, water ski and fish too!

He worked for the U. S. Postal Service (Rural Mail Carrier), before working at Robins Air Force Base where he retired with 24 years of service. He was an East Macon Landlord of several homes for more than 67 years.

Howard was well loved and will be greatly missed for we were honored to have been brought up in a Christian home with his loving affection for his wife and his constant care of his children; having happy thoughts of catching fish and having cook-outs, living it up at the ocean in Florida on vacations, hearing his hardy laughs while watching Tim Conway on the Carol Burnett Show and knowing he enjoyed life.

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 11:00 AM, in the chapel of Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home. The family will greet friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. or Gray UMC. Burial will be in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Tom Carruth officiating. Face masks and social distancing are required to be in attendance.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of arrangements.