Avery Waugh Howard, age 85, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Decatur Morgan Parkway Hospital. There will be a Funeral Service on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Shelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Meek and Bro. Fred Bueto officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the chapel. Mr. Howard will be laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery in Decatur, Alabama following the service
Mr. Howard was born in Morgan County, Alabama on March 16, 1939 to William Hendrix and Lenis Waugh Howard. He became a Cut/Bail Operator for Monsanto by trade from 1967 until 1994. As a devoted Christian, who loved the Lord and his church, Avery was a faithful member of Parkview Baptist Church. He was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide football fan. When he wasn’t watching football, he enjoyed fishing and working in his garden; however, his greatest joy was his loving family.
Mr. Howard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His kindness and love will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. Although we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his loved ones in God’s embrace of eternal peace.
Mr. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Howard and Lenis Howard Rock; three grandsons, Seth, Kennedy and Aiden Howard; brother, Dwaine Howard (Lorraine); sister, Willene Curbow (Donald); and brother-in-law, David Boyer.
Mr. Howard is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty Hood Howard; one son, Jeff Howard (Dewana); one daughter, Jennifer Key (John); four grandchildren, Logan Howard, Riley Howard (Allison), Joshua Key, and Joseph Key; three great-grandchildren, Holland Howard, Harrison Howard, and Herschel Howard; one sister, Clara Boyer; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Logan Howard, Riley Howard, Josh Key, Joe Key, Dwight Crow, and Kevin Boyer.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made In Loving Memory of Mr. Avery W. Howard to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Hospice of the Valley, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Shelton Funeral Home was honored and entrusted to assist the family with the service arrangements.
