Robert Ashley Howard, 46, of Hickory, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at home into his eternal life on July 10, 2023.

Rob is survived by his mother, Martha Joyner Howard of Richlands, North Carolina, father Robert "Carl" Howard (Lisa) of Jacksonville,  North Carolina, brother Craig R. Howard (April) of Jacksonville, North Carolina, two nieces Carly Howard, Caroline Howard, step-brother Brent Kight (Mandie) of Jacksonville, North Carolina, step-niece Emersyn Kight, step-nephew Beckett Kight.

Rob is also survived by his Paternal Grandparents Robert M. Howard (Bobby), Carol R. Howard of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents Charlie E. Joyner Sr., Josephine Gray Joyner Wood of Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Rob was a native of Onslow County and graduated from Richlands High School, where he played in the band and graduated with Honors. Following high school he attended Coastal Carolina Community College to later transfer to UNC-Charlotte graduating with a B.S. degree in Marketing.  He worked with several companies until he was employed with Recycling Equipment, Inc., Newton, North Carolina for 17 years.

Rob's best buddy was his dog, Winston for 14 years.  Rob had a passion for cooking and trying new recipes to share with family and friends, and he enjoyed trying new and different restaurants.  He also enjoyed the beach and mountains where he lived, and watching football and cheering for one of his favorite teams, the Carolina Panthers.

Rob was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many and will be deeply missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the

National Multiple Sclerosis Society in memory of Rob Howard

https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/Donation2?df_id=63293&63293.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=imt&utm_medium=natsite&utm_campaign=donatebutton_hprf