John Howard,

of Hoover went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, January 19, 2009 at the age of 83. He graduated from Ensley High School and the University of Louisville with a degree in electrical engineering. Mr. Howard served in the US Navy. He retired from BellSouth with 32 years of service and Rockwell Communications with 5 years of service. Mr. Howard was a member of Green Valley Baptist Church, Telephone Pioneers of America, and IEEE engineering society. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 59 years, Anne Ford Howard; two daughters, Kathryn Willis (Rupert) Holmes Beach, FL and Donna Blythe (Joe) Peachtree City, GA; four grandchildren, Evelyn Willis, Charleston, SC, John Willis, Lafayette, LA, Christopher Blythe (Makenzie), Dallas, TX, and Beth Taylor (Timothy) of Smithville, TX; two brothers, Roy Howard (Lillie), Franklin, TN and Henry Howard (Fuji), Casselberry, FL. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 23, 2009 from 10:30 to 11:00 am at Green Valley Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or your favorite charity.