William Young (Bill) Howard, Sr., age 76, of 2611 Dogwood Avenue, Covington, Virginia, died Thursday, December 17, 2015 at his residence.

Bill was born October 20, 1939 in Clifton Forge to the late Robert George and Virginia Mae Young Howard.

He served in the United States Air Force for over eight years and was a grocery merchandiser for H. T. Hackney Company.

He was a member of Living Stones Ministries and an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, Jeff Gordon racing, and the Cincinnati Reds.

He enjoyed gardening and watching the hummingbirds, and was a loving grandfather.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Joyce Black, Margaret O'Meara, Iris Piercy and Jan Warlitner.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Harless Howard of Covington; two daughters, Terri Allen and husband, Danny of Valley Ridge and Ginny Shaw and husband, Nathan of White Hall, Arkansas; two sons, William Y. Howard, Jr. and wife Sonya of Clifton Forge, and Robert Thomas "Bob" Howard and wife, Candi of Covington; a brother, Robert G. Howard, Jr. and wife, Alice of Clifton Forge; fourteen grandchildren, Danielle Allen, Christian Allen, Cameron Allen, William Y. Howard III, Shay Howard, Brooke Campbell, McKenzie Long, Brieanna Shaw, Emma Shaw, Drake Shaw, Keaton Sprotberry, Kimberly Howard, Amber Howard and Sara Howard; a great grandson, Ethan Campbell; a number of nieces and nephews; a special friend, Kenneth Anderson; and companion, "Frankie".

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, with Pastor Mike Rollins officiating. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 12:30 PM until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home, and other times at the residence.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Mountain Regional Hospice Volunteers, P. O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.