JOEL DAVID HOWARD

HOWARD, JOEL DAVID, age 61 of Shelby, AL died peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 surrounded by family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, C.V. Howard, brother, Dennis, and infant brother, Daniel Mark. He is survived by his wife, Lindell Syx Howard; daughters Stephanie Huffman (Alan) and Ashley Howard; son, B. J. Howard; grandchildren, Sarah Elisabeth Huffman, Andrew Thomas Huffman, Mason Howard Huffman, Caroline Grace Huffman, and Dustin Howard Clark; mother, Frances Howard; sister, Cecilia Champion (Sam) and a host of family and friends. Joel graduated from Hueytown High School in 1967. He was always looking for a challenge and he devoted himself wholeheartedly to whatever project or vision he pursued. He began his pursuit of challenges by learning carpentry skills working along side his father in his cabinet shop. He later went on to work with his dad at US Steel-Concord Mines and became an electrician. In 1983, he began a new career as a Nationwide Insurance agent. He learned the value of service as a young boy in the Boy Scouts and took that pledge seriously throughout his life. He served in many areas of his church as a lifelong Methodist. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard. He served his community and worked with his father and others to start the McAdory Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Joel never met a stranger. Because he took the time to listen and was genuinely interested in their lives, people always remembered him. He had a beautiful singing voice and his favorite music was southern gospel. He loved the outdoors and especially loved fishing and spending time at his lake home. There he found the time to use his carpentry skills to make things such as doll beds and toolboxes for his grandchildren. He loved cooking for crowds and entertaining people and even owned a restaurant for a brief time. He had a soft spot in his heart for helping others and used his skills wherever he saw a need. We will miss you Pop. The Celebration of Life will be held at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, Friday, November 6, 2009 at 3 p.m. with Rev. Alan Head, Rev. Bobby Scales, and Rev. Sam Harton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, Joel Howard Memorial Fund, 4809 Bell Hill Road, Bessemer, AL 35022.

JOEL DAVID HOWARD

November 3, 1948 - November 3, 2009