William Gray Howze

William Gray Howze, known affectionately as "Bill," "Pops," and "Rip," to the many who loved him, lived a beautiful life. Along with his brother, Guy R. Howze, Bill was adopted shortly after birth by Gen. Hamilton H.

Howze and Mary Henry, his beloved parents. Over the next 72 years, Bill wore many hats. He was a soldier, flying helicopters in Vietnam and retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving in the Army and Army National Guard for 20-plus years. He was a husband, marrying twice. He was a teacher, helping high school students learn algebra and geometry for a decade after retiring. He was a devoted son, a fraternity brother, a coach, a scoutmaster, a mentor, a father-in-law, a Yellow Jacket and an honorary Aggie. But above all, Bill was a father, devoting his life to raising and nurturing his two sons, William Logan (29) and Evan Gray (34). In all of these roles, two qualities shined through: Bill was generous, and he was genuine. To know him was to love him.

He was a True Gentleman.