William Ralph Howard

Daleville...William ""Ralph"" Howard, 72, resident of Daleville, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 2:00 am in the arms of his family.He was born on June 25, 1937 in Jamestown, TN to the late Denny and Francis Howard. He was proceeded in the death by two sister: Shirley Clements and Lois Davis.He retired from General Motors in Muncie and was a member of the Avondale Sympathy Club.His favorite past time was spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren, whom were the joy of his life.He was fondly known as ""Poppy"" or ""Pops"" by his grandchildren who adored their grandpa.He had a strong interest in traveling with his favorite destination the West Coast; California and Nevada.He loved hiking the Santa Monica Mountain Pass which took him from his daughter's home to the Pacific beaches.He was a true outdoorsman and loved nature, the wildlife and being surrounded by it.His grandchildren loved fishing the creeks with ""pops"" near Daleville.He loved yardwork, vegetable gardening, hunting, daily walks, and antique cars, tools and collectable.He had a passion for all sports especially basketball and football.He played basketball in High School in Jamestown.He was a dedicated and loveing husband, dad, brother, grandpa, uncle and cousin and friends to many.He is survived by his wonderful wife of 53 years: Mary (Linder) of Daleville, 3 daughters: Ginnie Howard of Daleville, Patricia Matthews (Ken) of Henderson, NV, and Penny Abrams (Jim) of Newbury Park, CA, grandchildren: Christopher Hurt, of Oklahoma City, OK, Angela Mader (Craig) of Yorktown, Aleksanar and Sedrick Abrams of Newbury Park, Ca, and Jessica Matthews of Cartage, NC, two great grandchildren: Clayton and Carson Mader of Yorktown, 2 sisters: Mary Helen Stanfield of Oneida, TN and Wanda Sue Huffman of Hartford City, IN Ken and Pat Matthew's goddaughter: Jacklyn Pierce of Selma and many nieces and nephews that he was very proud of.He will be remember and cherished and the cycle of love will never be broken or forgotten.Funeral services will be held on Friday at 1:00 PM at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 8212 South Walnut Street, Daleville with Rev. James McCowan officiating.Burial will follow in Tomlinson Cemtery near Muncie.Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 PMMemorials may be made to the Daleville Salem TWP EMS/Fire.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.com