John H. Pilkington

John Howard Pilkington, Sr., a cherished man known for his kind, loving, caring, and often humorous personality, left us on April 4th, 2025. Born on January 31st, 1936, he lived a life driven by fierce love for his family and service towards others. As was his wish, he passed away while holding his wife’s hand, surrounded by his family. He will be remembered for his unwavering trust in and love of Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances (Craft) Pilkington, his son John Howard Pilkington, Jr. and wife Doris, his daughter Ginger Pilkington Munroe and husband Calvin, and his son Steven Todd Pilkington and wife Mercy. He was blessed with, adored by, and survived by seven grandchildren: John Howard “Trey” Pilkington, III and his wife Jordan, Russell Pilkington and his wife Bridgette, Annslyn Pilkington, Wren Munroe, III, Jacob Munroe, Carly Pilkington, and Ally Munroe. He was a loving “Pops” to five great-grandchildren whose lives were forever enriched by their too-short time together: Mary Sloane, Raelynn, Eleanor, Charlie Rose, and Cooper. His departure leaves an unfillable void in all our lives, yet we take great comfort in the memories of him and the lessons he so lovingly bestowed on every one of us.

Howard is also survived by his sister Gloria Beard and her family, sister Pauline Lloyd and her family, and the family of his brother Bobby Pilkington. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Thadia Pilkington, and his brother Bobby.

A 1954 graduate of Oxford High School who greatly enjoyed his class reunions, Howard was a retired employee of both Monsanto and the Alabama National Guard, as well as a lifelong member and the longest-living member of New Haven Baptist Church; everywhere he worked and attended, he naturally made lifelong friends who became like family to him. As an avid outdoorsman and hunter, we will all cherish the years we spent hunting, fishing, boating, and other unforgettable moments with him. It has been said there isn’t a family member, friend, or resident of Wellborn who didn’t learn to waterski behind Howard’s boat. Every autumn Friday night found him and “his boys”—both blood relative and gained—attending high school football games.

Friends, relatives, neighbors, and even countless strangers can attest to his enviable ability to build something, fix anything, or just solve a problem. We can never know how many times he came to someone’s rescue with a needed repair or some softspoken words of trustworthy advice.

Howard was an unparalleled example of how to think of others first, a value that was central to his character. A beacon of generosity and love, he will forever remain in our

hearts while his legacy will continue to guide and inspire us. As we struggle with the loss of this great and beloved man’s physical presence, we find solace in knowing that he lives on in salvation and in the deeply unending love he had for all of us. The man we all treasured has forever shaped our lives and those of all who knew him.

In remembrance of Howard Pilkington, donations are requested for New Haven Baptist Church. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 8th at 11:00am at his church with a service led by his nephew Brother Eddy Beard to follow at noon. Though graveside services will take place later at Maple Grove cemetery, we ask that only his immediate family attend to privately say goodbye.