Howard Garland, 85, went to his home in Glory on January 2, 2023 at 12:25 am. He was at home with his family surrounding him, and the love of his life by his side and his daughter singing to him.
Howard was born to Doss and Pearl Stevens Garland, one of 11 children. He was close to and loved his siblings dearly. He went to Maryland as a young man and while working there he met his soul mate, Audrey Krenzer. They married, moved back to North Carolina and made their home where they raised their sons, Gregory and Brian and daughter Donna. He and Audrey were married 62 years on Christmas day.
Howard was a member of the Bakersville Masonic Lodge #357 for almost fifty years. Howard’s work included Henredon, Coates America and NCDOT, but more than 45 years he worked at Buchanan & Young. He made friends easily and kept friends for a lifetime. He loved people, laughing, talking about our Lord and being saved. Most who knew him would say he never met a stranger.
Howard’s life was lived for our Lord. He was a founding member of, Sunday School superintendent, deacon and song leader at Grace Baptist Church serving until his health prevented it. He was a strong prayer warrior and rarely ever missed church. He went into the church to pray many mornings with a lifelong friend and fellow church member before going to work. In his early married years, when he didn’t have a vehicle, he and his young family walked to church with him carrying them through a creek to get there. He was firm in his beliefs and dedicated to a life lived for Jesus.
Howard is survived by his loving wife Audrey, his son Greg and family (wife Kathy and daughter Jada), his son Brian and family (wife Shannon and daughter Ryleigh, daughter Courtney Willis (husband Jason and children, Hadi and Coen) Stepdaughter Kayle Buchanan (husband Colton and daughter Wrenleigh), Stepdaughter Felicia Alberts (husband Thomas and children Alex and Natalie), and his only daughter, Donna and Husband Mark Huskins.
He is also survived by his brother Lloyd and wife Virginia, his sisters Elva Gay Johnson, Ellen Hawley and husband Lee, and Carolyn and husband Keith Galloway, his sisters in law, Doris Humerick (Earl), Mary Brooks (Bob) and brother in law Harry Krenzer (Vicki), along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Jay, Ray, and Elmer, his sisters Doris Phillips, Elaine Garland, and Wanda Sue Garland, a grandson, Brian Garland and his mother in law, Edna Mae Krenzer.
Funeral services will be Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 2 o’clock pm at Henline-Hughes Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Garland, Rev. Randy Wise, and Rev. Russell McKinney officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 till 2:00 pm prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Fork Mountain Baptist Cemetery with Masonic Rites. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Dr. Spruce Pine, NC 28777 or to the Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565.
Henline – Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Garland family
