Russell Howard

Russell Eugene Howard, 58, of Folkston, passed away at his residence June 6, 2008. He attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He worked for the Folkston Police Department. He retired from the Georgia State Patrol. While with the GSP, he received the Valor Award, two Commissioner's Commendations, Marksmanship Awards, Lifesaving Award, a Purple Heart, the 1989 Waycross Area Officer of the Year, and the 1990 Charlton Co. Law Officer of the Year. He was also a member of the GSP Honor Guard that escorted the Olympic Flag through Georgia in 1996. He was a member of Grace Chapel Baptist Church and the Folkston Masonic Lodge. He was president of the Kingfisher Landing Hunting Club. Russell Loved God, his family, his friends, and the Georgia State Patrol. He was truly a Great American. He was a kind, big man who did everything in a big way. He was preceded in death by his father: Hugh D. Howard.

He is survived by his wife Marward M. Howard of Folkston; 2-Children: Dr. Joshua M. Howard and his wife Stacey, and Holli Parker and her husband, Matthew, both of Folkston; 3-Grandchildren: Cason Howard, Libby Parker, and Annabelle Howard; his Mother: Estelle Howard of Mt. Pleasant, GA; 2-Brothers: Randal Howard and his wife, Jennifer, and Ralph Howard both of Mt. Pleasant, GA; 2-Sisters: Brenda H. Bonine and her husband Gary of Harrison, TN, and Marjorie Smallwood and her husband Rodney of Marietta, GA; Mother-In-Law: Martha Morgan and a sister-in-Law: Mary Allen and her husband Bill and numerous relatives who will greatly miss his robust personality and love for them.

The family will receive friends Monday June 9 at Shepard Funeral Home beginning at 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be Tuesday June 10 at 2:00 PM at Grace Chapel Baptist Church with Dr. Norman Sweeting officiating. Burial will be in Sardis Cemetery. Honors will be given by the GSP Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Simon Howard, Mat Allen, Casey Smallwood, Chris Wiren, Jason Bonine, Brenton Bonine, and Daniel Howard. Honorary Pallbearers will be all Law Enforcement, and the Members of Kingfisher Landing Hunting Club.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest book and view the video tribute at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, GA.