George Howie

George Edward Howie, age 86 of Black Rd. passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at his residence. He was born in northern Mecklenburg County in July 5, 1930 to the late Sully and Hattie Howie. At age 8, his family moved to Gaston County on a farm near Duke Power. He attended school in Lucia and Mt. Holly. In August 1948 he enlisted for two years in the Army. He was assigned to the 4th Army at Ft. Bliss, Texas near El Paso. There he completed 8 weeks training and 12 weeks advanced training in the deserts of Texas and New Mexico. When his training was complete, he was assigned to Co. A 1st Battalion 1st guided missile assignment at White Sands proving ground New Mexico near Las Cruses. Due for discharge in August 1950, the Korean War had begun and all discharge was frozen so his enlistment was extended for one more year. In august 1951, he was discharged and moved back to Charlotte. After coming home, he was employed with National Welders Supply Company for 21 years. He then became a self-employed painting contractor, where he painted homes and businesses for 10 years. He became maintenance supervisor for Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church and retired in January 1995. He and his wife, Yonnie Poovey Howie were members there for 39 years. During their 39 years, he served as Elder and Deacon for 28 years. George was a Scout Master for Troop 22 for 12 years, member of Derita Lions Club for 35 years, and member of American Legion Post #345 for 37 years. After moving to Cherryville, he attended Shady Grove Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Calvin, John, and Robert Howie; sisters, Frances Ferrell and Mary Bozeman; and grandson, Ian Scott. His wife, Yonnie of 47 years, passed away in 2001. Survivors include his daughter, Cyndie Ferrell and husband, Terry of Lucia; son, Eric Howie and wife, Kim of Stanfield; six grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; brother, Roscoe Howie and wife, Betty of Rock Hill; sisters, Martha Jones and husband, Sid of Lowesville and Sarah Grady of Mooresville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In 2005, George learned his childhood sweetheart, Ginny Ritchie Neil was widowed and was working at Blacks Grill in Cherryville as a waitress. He called her and the two met and started seeing each other. After six months, the decided in get married in July 2006. They had previously been married while he was serving in the Army in Las Cruses, NM. Ginny Neil Howie passed away in 2015. George is also survived by Ginny's daughter, Linda Ward of Cherryville and her children, Kevin Ward and wife, Martha and their son, Jake, Michael Ward, and Kelly Warzecha and husband, Michael.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dale Hendricks officiating.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 26, 2017 from 1:30 to 2:45 PM at Shady Grove Baptist Church with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to Shady Grove Baptist Church, 3240 Tryon Courthouse Rd. Cherryville NC 28021 or the charity of your choice.