Robert "Bob" Paul Howard's Obituary
Robert (Bob) Paul Howard , age 87, passed away on March 17, 2026, after a brief illness.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, Bob grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey. He married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Ann Fisher Howard, and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage built on love, partnership, and devotion to family. Bob attended Haddonfield Memorial High School, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball, and was later inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a proud graduate of Lafayette College, where he also earned induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame as a two-sport athlete in football and baseball.
Following college, he served four years as a United States Army Ranger, an experience that shaped his lifelong discipline and strength of character. He went on to build a successful career in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry as a manufacturer’s representative, which brought him first to Charlotte, and ultimately to Kennesaw, GA where he served as president of the E.V. Dunbar Company. He was a consummate salesman by nature, forming deep bonds of friendship and respect with countless colleagues and clients, which brought him great joy over many years.
Bob was a devoted man of faith who was actively involved in his church community throughout his life , including serving as a deacon at Unity Presbyterian Church in Denver, NC where he lived in retirement. He always gave generously of his time to others through volunteer work, including Meals on Wheels, visiting shut-ins, and coaching youth sports. His love of sports was a constant throughout his life, and he savored the way that sports gave him the opportunity to spend time with those he loved, from playing golf with old friends to cheering on his children and grandchildren at thousands of games and events over the years. He had a special love for ACC athletics and Clemson football, and was affectionately known as “Big Game Bob” by his fellow fans at games.
Above all, Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margie; his four children: Rob Howard, Jr. (Michelle) , Nancy Goodnight (Thad) , Chuck Howard (Orit) , and Susan Righter (Greg) ; ten grandchildren (Davis, AJ, Sarah, Justin, Frankie, Allison, Maddie, Sam, Adin, and Shai), each of whom shared a special and cherished relationship with their “Boppa,” and two great-grandchildren (Georgia and Hudson).
Bob never met a stranger and was known for his generous spirit, unwavering positivity, and larger-than-life personality. His signature “Bang!” brought joy and laughter to family and friends alike and will be remembered always.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church in Denver, NC, or Huntersville United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be made at https://www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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