Dr. Charles DeWayne Howard

Dr. Charles DeWayne Howard, age 85, formerly of Springfield, KY passed away at 3:57 p.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at White Oaks Estates Nursing Home in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

He was born in Mackville, KY in the family home on July 31, 1935 to the late Clyde Nelson and Louise Thompson Howard.

Charles attended Mackville High School and transferred to Springfield High School his senior year, catching the early bus for Physics and Math class, he graduated in 1953. He attended Georgetown College from 1953 thru 1957. He graduated Magnum Cum Laude in pre-med. He attended medical school at the University of Louisville form 1957 until 1961. In 1959, he completed an externship at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA. In 1961-1963, he completed a one year internship and one year surgical residency in Columbus, GA at the Columbus Medical Center. Following his training in Georgia, Dr. Howard returned to Springfield to start his medical practice of general medicine where he practiced for forty years.

Early in his career, he received his draft notice to serve during the Vietnam War. In 1966 he entered into the United States Navy as a Navy Lieutenant assigned to the Marine Corp. as a General Practitioner. Later on he was assigned as a Battalion surgeon where he was sent to Guantanamo Bay Cuba and a tour on the Mediterranean Sea. In 1968 he was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Commander.

Charles enjoyed life outside of medicine. He was an active member of the Springfield Baptist Church. His love of ball room dancing where he was awarded numerous trophies during many Arthur Murray competitions brought him much joy. He was known for his hard work on the family farm caring for cattle and growing tobacco. He was also known for his beautiful flower beds for the neighbors to enjoy along with his abundance of vegetables he shared with others. Charles snow skied many black diamond slopes on ski trips with his skiing buddies. He also displayed an appreciation of history through the teachings of others. Most of all he enjoyed his family and friends.

Preceding him in death was his twin brother, William Dwight Howard on August 24, 1936; a sister, Betty Jo Howard Meers on September 16, 1964 and the mother of his four children, Kay Joyce Easterly Howard on April 4, 2007.

His survivors include two sons, David Dewayne Howard of Columbia, SC and Stephen Bradford Howard (Holly) of Landrum, SC; two daughters, Mary Kay Wilson (Eugene “Chip”) of Inman, SC and Robbie Kay Howard Owens (Robert) of Pacolet, SC; a step-son, Aaron Paul Horner of Louisville; two grandchildren, Ella Elizabeth Howard and Stephen Alexander “Alex” Howard and two sisters, Pat Gerken (John) of Hanover, PA and Julia Lynn Pinkston (Martin) of Georgetown.

Funeral services will be private.

Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery at Willisburg where military rites will be conducted by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard.

There will be no public visitation.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Sonlight Ministries, 101 Moolah Drive, Columbia, SC 29223

Carey & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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