Paul Ellis Howard, 69, of 3321 Kanawha Trail, Covington, Virginia died Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center in Salem.

Mr. Howard was born November 23, 1949 in Alleghany County, a son of the late Garnett and Gladys Crawford Howard.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Perry Howard, and a brother, Berlin "Stables" Howard.

For the past 26 years Paul has been the owner and operator of Alleghany Sportsman Supply in Covington. He was a longtime member of the Alleghany Highlands Friends of the National Rifle Association and of Covington Lodge #610, Loyal Order of the Moose.

Surviving are his wife, Cindy Bowers Howard of Covington; two sons, Barry Housman of Covington and Jeffrey Howard and his wife, Jenna of Huntington, WV; his daughter, Mandy Ratliff and her husband, Brandon of Covington; three grandchildren, Kinley Howard, Emmalyn Howard and Myla Ratliff; three sisters, Janet Austin and Yvonne Lewis, both of Covington, and Betty Puskar of Morgantown, WV; three brothers, Bill Howard of North Pole, AK, Donald "Berkley" Howard of Cleveland, OH and Wayne Howard and his wife, Mary Jo of Covington; several nieces and nephews; his beloved beagles and his alley cat, "Charlie."

The funeral service will be held Monday, January 21, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with the Rev. John Burns officiating.

Interment will be made in Palestine Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Arritt Funeral Home.

The family suggests that donations in Mr. Howard's name be made to the Alleghany Humane Society, 9313 Rich Patch Road, Covington, VA 24426 or to the Alleghany Highlands Friends of the NRA, 1023 S. Highland Ave., Covington, VA.

The Arritt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.