Born John Gary Edwards on June 30, 1950 in Columbia to the late Lucille C. and Julian D. Edwards, “Gary” was later adopted by his stepfather and assumed the last name of Howard. A 1968 graduate of Brooklyn Cayce High School, Gary was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Francis Hammond in the Pacific during the Vietnam conflict. Upon his return to the States, Gary travelled to California where he studied to become a farrier. In 1973 he met Dawn Ballentine, also of Columbia, at a local horse show. Miss Ballentine’s horse threw a shoe warming up for competition. The strapping young farrier on hand tacked the horseshoe back on, and horse and rider went on to win the blue ribbon. Dawn & Gary were married less than a year later.
Following his recovery from a 1975 horse training accident at home that nearly claimed his life, “Mr. Gary” continued on his path as a master of the farrier craft. His professional services were second to none and continued to be in high demand among the largest, most successful horse show barns around the Southeast throughout the 1980s and 90s.
In the mid-1980s Gary discovered the world of dog training and AKC Obedience Competition. He quickly found success in the show ring with his new hobby and a big, sweet but slow Rottweiler named “Blockbuster’s Big Mack.” Following Mack’s retirement from competition, Gary transitioned to training and showing Border Collies. Gary’s success with this brilliant, quick and nimble breed garnered national recognition, twice achieving the highest AKC Obedience Title of all: “Obedience Trial Champion,” or OTCH. The OTCH certification is the AKC Obedience equivalent of a Ph.D. and Gary’s beloved “Starfire’s Southern Strutt,” and “Starfire’s Cauza Commotion,” or “Rev,” each earned the prestigious title. More than anything, the wonderful friends Gary and Dawn made during these incredible years remained near and dear to their hearts for the rest of their lives.
Following Dawn’s passing in 2005, Gary retired from horse shoeing and sparked a new hobby; one that combined his lifelong passion for metal work with childhood memories of classic 50s and 60s era Cushman Scooters. Using the internet, he began acquiring, restoring and ultimately building new versions of the antique motorbikes from parts he found around the world. Gary’s creations were a testament to his ingenuity, metal craftsmanship, impeccable welding, and creative flare as he equipped each of his bikes with large Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engines. Gary’s machines moved faster than any of their 50s era grandparents could have dreamed. He truly poured his soul into everything he did and the results always spoke for themselves.
In addition to his parents and bride of nearly 32 years, Gary’s passing was preceded by that of a sister, Carol Ann, of Lexington. Surviving are his loyal and loving son John Gary Howard Jr., daughter-in-law, Mira, and granddaughter, Nadia.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Drs. Terry O. Norton, Steven A. Madden, Rachel Callis-Wolfe and the teams of wonderful medical professionals throughout the Lexington Medical Center community. To Anna, Alex and Bobby of Bulow Prosthetics, and to Charles Brown and the wonderful caregivers of Right At Home Columbia for enabling Gary’s final weeks of prosperity to be spent at home.
Services will be held Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow St., Irmo, SC. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00am with services in the adjacent chapel at noon. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cemetery, 10000 Broad River Rd., Irmo, SC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gary’s memory to the American Cancer Society, the American Farrier’s Association Foundation, Homeward Bound Pet Rescue of Irmo, or the underfunded charity closest to your heart.
If you or someone for whom you care continues to smoke, for the sake of everyone loved, please make every effort to break that deadly habit now. Call 1-800-QUITNOW or visit quitassist.com
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