Belford "Gene" Eugene Howard

Belford Eugene Howard, lovingly known as Gene, of Ladson, South Carolina, passed away on June 26, 2024, at the age of 78. He was born on June 3, 1946, in Huntington, West Virginia, to the late Agnes Miller Howard.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Patsy Grey Howard; his devoted son, Stephen Howard (Theresa); step-daughter Kelly Tolle; honorary son, Shawn Shelley; honorary daughter, Denise Crawford; as well as his cherished grandchildren: Ryan Howard, Levi Firestine, Samantha Ramirez, Joshua Crawford (Ashton), Zachary Crawford, Christopher Scarborough, and Lauren Detweiler (Tyler); and great-grandchildren: Winry Ramirez, Arden Detweiler, and Cooper Crawford. He was preceded in death by his mother, Agnes Miller Howard; his daughter, Pamela Shelley; and his son, Harry "Bo" Crawford.

Gene, affectionately nicknamed "Buzzard" in his youth, maintain childhood friends for all his life. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was exposed to Agent Orange which led to some of his health issues. Following his military service, he dedicated 30 years to the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier along Rivers Avenue in North Charleston, where he retired.

Known for his outgoing personality and humor, Gene never met a stranger. He was an avid bass fisherman and was a former member of the Cooper River Bass Master. He achieved recognition as a Bass Member of the Year in 2011-2012. Gene was once recognized as Bob Dean member of the year and the SC Bass Federation Member of the year in 2015. One of Gene's greatest joys was his cherished red and white Ranger Bass Boat that could be seen at the Cypress Garden boat ramp almost every week. Gene was an avid Ranger Boat owner, which he owned 5 different ones since 1977, symbolizing his enduring passion for fishing and the outdoors. Devoted to community service, Gene actively supported Toys For Tots, receiving the Commander Award in 2016 with the Cooper River Bassmaster and volunteered at the Cypress Gardens boat ramp during fishing tournaments. He was a faithful member of Northside Baptist Church and Midland Park Baptist Church, where he contributed to Sunday school activities. A passionate sports enthusiast, Gene cheered fervently for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team and maintained a lifelong love for baseball, having been scouted by the Cincinnati Reds in his youth. He generously shared his knowledge and passion for sports as a coach for Goose Creek Parks and Playgrounds. You could also find him out on the green, as he thoroughly enjoyed playing games of golf.

Gene will be deeply missed by all who knew him for his kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and his community.

Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home, 7113 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406. A funeral service will be held in the chapel of Carolina Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday at 11:00 AM, followed by graveside military honors and interment at Carolina Memorial Park.

Pallbearers: Derrick Nixon, Ferris Jennings, Sean McElhaney, Scott Perrine, Fred Cruise, and Dr. Bob Ratliff.