HUBERT - Johnnie Lee Howard, 78, was called home by his Lord and Savior December 12, 2016 at Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Gertrude Howard; brothers, George Franklin, Walter, Andrew, Elmer, Melvin and William Howard; and one sister, Louise Trisler.

Johnnie joined the USMC in January 1957 and retired as a 1st Sgt in July 1979 serving 22 years. he served 2 tours in Vietnam. One as a member of 1/9 Bravo Co (The Walking Dead). He also worked for Civil Service at Camp Lejeune and retired from there as well.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday at Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church. Officiating Pastor Tommy Bulla. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Nobuko of 53 years, one son Jerry J "JJ" Howard, two daughters Mae Lynn Morton husband Frankie, Brenda Laskowski husband Mark, all of Jacksonville, NC. 8 Grandchildren: Gregory Mather, April Taylor husband Tanner, Kathryn Jenkins husband Taylor, Winford Whitmore all of Jacksonville, NC, Tyler Howard of Oceansprings MS, LCpl Tori Howard of MCAS New River, NC, Samantha Morton of Jacksonville, NC & Cadet Alexis Laskowski of New London, CT. 4 Great Grandchildren: Brayden Tepe of Cincinnati, OH, Laci Taylor, Miya Whitmore & Elias Jenkins all of Jacksonville, NC. Sister Jahunita Faye Lara of Seattle WA, Lois Ann Brown of Girard, KS & Madaline Darlene Deakin of Coupeville, WA.

Johnnie came to know the Lord on September 6, 2016 and was baptized on September 11, 2016 with his wife. He was a loving husband, father and papa. We will miss him dearly.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5-7 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville.