Obituary for Mac Arthur HOWARD Sr.
Mac Arthur Howard, Sr. was born February 27, 1944, in Evergreen, Alabama. He was the eleventh of twelve children to the late Frank Thomas Howard and Aline Feagin-Howard. His parents shaped the lives of their children by instilling in them the importance of a good education and a strong belief in Jesus Christ. Mac accepted Christ at an early age at New Beulah Baptist Church, was baptized by the late Reverend C. L. Lewis. He participated in the youth choir as an Altos’ and was active in other church programs along with his siblings.
After graduating from Conecuh County Training School at the age of 16, Mac continued his education by attending Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical College, now Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical University, located in Normal, Alabama where he earned his B.S. Degree in Education in 1964. While at Alabama A&M, Mac was a soloist in the school choir until he graduated and participated in several student government activities. A year after graduating from college, Mac joined the United States Air Force in July 1965, and served in Southeast Asia Countries during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in January 1969.
That same year, on June 7th, 1969, Mac married his college sweetheart and love of his life, Cora Lee Shannon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, now Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Mac and Cora moved to Dayton, Ohio and to this union they raised three children. As they began their 48 years of marriage, Mac matriculated at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he received a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling and he later received a Certification in Educational Administration from the University of Dayton.
Mac began his teaching career in Dayton Public Schools at Roosevelt High School, where he taught senior Social Studies and History for three years. He later transferred to Louise Troy and served as the School’s Guidance Counselor. He also worked as a Vocational Counselor at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, with a program sponsored jointly by WPAFB and Dayton Public Schools. He was responsible for placing high school students in part-time jobs at WPAFB, as well as providing career and job responsibility counseling to the participants.
After eleven years, he resigned from education and accepted a position with the Federal Government as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Specialist, responsible for improving employment opportunities and representation of African Americans in the workplace. While in this position, he received the Aeronautical System Division (ASD) Award for his outstanding work towards increasing the number of African Americans employees in upper level positions in ASD. He later served as the Senior Executive Services (SES) Program Manager, responsible for assisting SES candidates in preparing job applications for submission to Air Force System Command.
Because of his commitment to young people, he returned to Education, as a High School Counselor for Trotwood-Madison City Schools. He remained at Trotwood-Madison City Schools as a Counselor and Assistant Principal for 13 years. After his retirement in 2003, he worked with Wright State University Department of Education as a field Experience Supervisor. In this position, he advise, supported and counseled students who were in training to become classroom teachers.
He had the distinguished honor to serve as the Assistant Drillmaster for the “Beautillion Militaire” sponsored by the Dayton Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., for 35 years, teaching young Africans American high school seniors, (young men-including two of his own sons) self-discipline, self-respect, and the importance of being a responsible person.
A loyal member of St. Margaret Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry, the Brotherhood-and was a member of the church choir under Father Benjamin Speare-Hardy, II. Before joining St. Margaret, Mac was a member of Summit Christian Church and served as one of the heavenly voices in the church choir. Other community service groups and social affiliations includes: The Ohio State University Admissions Advisory Counsel (former member); Trotwood-Madison Education Foundation (Trustee); President of Dayton Chapter of Alabama A&M University Alumni Association; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the G-Men Social Club.
Mac transitioned from this life to his heavenly home on April 17, 2021, surrounded by his three adult children, family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, the late Cora Lee Shannon, his parents and five brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his three children Mac Arthur Howard, Jr. (Belissa), Harvest, Al, Marlon A. Howard, Sr., (Norkeita), Dayton, Oh and Shana Howard Freeman (Jason), Huntsville, Al, Grandchildren: Ma’Calia Howard, Mac Howard, III, Mackenzie Howard, Bria Howard, Marlon A. Howard, Jr., Myah Howard, Harrison Freeman, Harper Freeman, and Alante Lindsey. Two brothers: Lee Howard (Roberta), Dayton, OH, and Robert Howard (Wanda), Columbia, MD., Two brother-in-law’s: Robert Shannon, Chicago, IL, and Reverend Dr. James Shannon (Evelyn), Glen, Ellyn, IL. Four sister-in-law’s: Claudine McDonald (Earl), Gaithersburg, MD. Mary Howard, Toledo, OH., Lavera Howard, Dayton, OH., and Margie Telfair (Bill), Atlanta, GA., and a host of nieces and nephews and many other beloved family and friends.
One of Mac’s greatest joys was his love of family. Most people felt as if they knew his children and grandchildren because he always talked about their accomplishments and how proud he was of them. He made sure that he attended most or all of their events, and showed an interest in whatever was going on in their lives. Affectionately called “PaPa” he communicated with them on a daily basis, via cell phone, Facetime and or text (after his grandchildren insisted he upgrade his cell phone). He traveled back and forth to Huntsville, Alabama so much he could identify mile makers better than most State Troopers. Mac transitioned knowing that his children would carry on his legacy as a great father, parent, and friend to their own children and the people in their lives. He was easily everyone’s favorite uncle because he treated them as his own. He was a second dad to not only his nieces and nephews, but to friends of his children and grandchildren.
Mac’s love of all things food related, was so evident because he was always asking “can I get a little bit of that” or “come on-just let me taste a little bit”. When it came to food, he was always willing to give anything a try. Let’s not forget the annual Alabama A&M fish fry where he was the number one fish fryer for over 25 years. Mac found much pleasure in playing the game of golf and as an avid golfer, his clubs were always with him when he traveled, not to mention he always found a golfing buddy everywhere he went. Then there were the standard Friday night Poker card games with his buddies in Dayton, he loved that crew. Everyone knew how much Mac loved to have a good time and loved being around people. He never met a stranger and always made others feel at home when they were around him. Everyone knew if you ever went to the store with him, you always had to look up and down the aisles before going to the checkout counter, because he was sure to be talking with someone he knew, or not knew. Dancing was one of his specialties, he could always be found dancing the night away and typically the last one on the floor.
1st Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you; casting all anxieties on him, because he cares for you”.
Public walk through visitation will be held 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Monday, April 26, 2021, at Thomas Funeral Home, 4520 Salem Ave., Trotwood, OH 45416. Funeral service will be held at 11:30 am, Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at St. Margaret Episcopal Church, 5301 Free Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45426, with Rev. Dr. Benjamin E. K. Speare-Hardy II officiating. Interment: Dayton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to THOMAS FUNERAL HOME, 4520 Salem Ave. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasfunerals.com
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his honor to his beloved alma mater Alabama A&M University, via the Alabama A&M University - Dayton Alumni Chapter (Cashapp: $AAMUDAYTON or by mail P.O. Box 341451, Beavercreek, OH 45434).
Virtual streaming (visitation):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85951162042?pwd=MXByZGc4cGxRMTF1c0o3MStvUk5WZz09
Meeting ID: 859 5116 2042
Passcode: 622871
After graduating from Conecuh County Training School at the age of 16, Mac continued his education by attending Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical College, now Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical University, located in Normal, Alabama where he earned his B.S. Degree in Education in 1964. While at Alabama A&M, Mac was a soloist in the school choir until he graduated and participated in several student government activities. A year after graduating from college, Mac joined the United States Air Force in July 1965, and served in Southeast Asia Countries during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in January 1969.
That same year, on June 7th, 1969, Mac married his college sweetheart and love of his life, Cora Lee Shannon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, now Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Mac and Cora moved to Dayton, Ohio and to this union they raised three children. As they began their 48 years of marriage, Mac matriculated at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he received a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling and he later received a Certification in Educational Administration from the University of Dayton.
Mac began his teaching career in Dayton Public Schools at Roosevelt High School, where he taught senior Social Studies and History for three years. He later transferred to Louise Troy and served as the School’s Guidance Counselor. He also worked as a Vocational Counselor at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, with a program sponsored jointly by WPAFB and Dayton Public Schools. He was responsible for placing high school students in part-time jobs at WPAFB, as well as providing career and job responsibility counseling to the participants.
After eleven years, he resigned from education and accepted a position with the Federal Government as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Specialist, responsible for improving employment opportunities and representation of African Americans in the workplace. While in this position, he received the Aeronautical System Division (ASD) Award for his outstanding work towards increasing the number of African Americans employees in upper level positions in ASD. He later served as the Senior Executive Services (SES) Program Manager, responsible for assisting SES candidates in preparing job applications for submission to Air Force System Command.
Because of his commitment to young people, he returned to Education, as a High School Counselor for Trotwood-Madison City Schools. He remained at Trotwood-Madison City Schools as a Counselor and Assistant Principal for 13 years. After his retirement in 2003, he worked with Wright State University Department of Education as a field Experience Supervisor. In this position, he advise, supported and counseled students who were in training to become classroom teachers.
He had the distinguished honor to serve as the Assistant Drillmaster for the “Beautillion Militaire” sponsored by the Dayton Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., for 35 years, teaching young Africans American high school seniors, (young men-including two of his own sons) self-discipline, self-respect, and the importance of being a responsible person.
A loyal member of St. Margaret Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry, the Brotherhood-and was a member of the church choir under Father Benjamin Speare-Hardy, II. Before joining St. Margaret, Mac was a member of Summit Christian Church and served as one of the heavenly voices in the church choir. Other community service groups and social affiliations includes: The Ohio State University Admissions Advisory Counsel (former member); Trotwood-Madison Education Foundation (Trustee); President of Dayton Chapter of Alabama A&M University Alumni Association; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the G-Men Social Club.
Mac transitioned from this life to his heavenly home on April 17, 2021, surrounded by his three adult children, family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, the late Cora Lee Shannon, his parents and five brothers and four sisters. He is survived by his three children Mac Arthur Howard, Jr. (Belissa), Harvest, Al, Marlon A. Howard, Sr., (Norkeita), Dayton, Oh and Shana Howard Freeman (Jason), Huntsville, Al, Grandchildren: Ma’Calia Howard, Mac Howard, III, Mackenzie Howard, Bria Howard, Marlon A. Howard, Jr., Myah Howard, Harrison Freeman, Harper Freeman, and Alante Lindsey. Two brothers: Lee Howard (Roberta), Dayton, OH, and Robert Howard (Wanda), Columbia, MD., Two brother-in-law’s: Robert Shannon, Chicago, IL, and Reverend Dr. James Shannon (Evelyn), Glen, Ellyn, IL. Four sister-in-law’s: Claudine McDonald (Earl), Gaithersburg, MD. Mary Howard, Toledo, OH., Lavera Howard, Dayton, OH., and Margie Telfair (Bill), Atlanta, GA., and a host of nieces and nephews and many other beloved family and friends.
One of Mac’s greatest joys was his love of family. Most people felt as if they knew his children and grandchildren because he always talked about their accomplishments and how proud he was of them. He made sure that he attended most or all of their events, and showed an interest in whatever was going on in their lives. Affectionately called “PaPa” he communicated with them on a daily basis, via cell phone, Facetime and or text (after his grandchildren insisted he upgrade his cell phone). He traveled back and forth to Huntsville, Alabama so much he could identify mile makers better than most State Troopers. Mac transitioned knowing that his children would carry on his legacy as a great father, parent, and friend to their own children and the people in their lives. He was easily everyone’s favorite uncle because he treated them as his own. He was a second dad to not only his nieces and nephews, but to friends of his children and grandchildren.
Mac’s love of all things food related, was so evident because he was always asking “can I get a little bit of that” or “come on-just let me taste a little bit”. When it came to food, he was always willing to give anything a try. Let’s not forget the annual Alabama A&M fish fry where he was the number one fish fryer for over 25 years. Mac found much pleasure in playing the game of golf and as an avid golfer, his clubs were always with him when he traveled, not to mention he always found a golfing buddy everywhere he went. Then there were the standard Friday night Poker card games with his buddies in Dayton, he loved that crew. Everyone knew how much Mac loved to have a good time and loved being around people. He never met a stranger and always made others feel at home when they were around him. Everyone knew if you ever went to the store with him, you always had to look up and down the aisles before going to the checkout counter, because he was sure to be talking with someone he knew, or not knew. Dancing was one of his specialties, he could always be found dancing the night away and typically the last one on the floor.
1st Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you; casting all anxieties on him, because he cares for you”.
Public walk through visitation will be held 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Monday, April 26, 2021, at Thomas Funeral Home, 4520 Salem Ave., Trotwood, OH 45416. Funeral service will be held at 11:30 am, Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at St. Margaret Episcopal Church, 5301 Free Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45426, with Rev. Dr. Benjamin E. K. Speare-Hardy II officiating. Interment: Dayton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to THOMAS FUNERAL HOME, 4520 Salem Ave. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasfunerals.com
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his honor to his beloved alma mater Alabama A&M University, via the Alabama A&M University - Dayton Alumni Chapter (Cashapp: $AAMUDAYTON or by mail P.O. Box 341451, Beavercreek, OH 45434).
Virtual streaming (visitation):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85951162042?pwd=MXByZGc4cGxRMTF1c0o3MStvUk5WZz09
Meeting ID: 859 5116 2042
Passcode: 622871