Michael Henry "Mike" Howard

Lifelong Middle Georgia resident, Michael Henry “Mike” Howard, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 9, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 68 years old.

Born and raised in Macon, Mike was the son of the late Joseph L. and Kathleen Ward Howard. He graduated from Lanier High School and went to work temporarily at Piggly Wiggly grocery store. It was there that he met his wife, Linda, and the rest is history. Mike went to work for Linda’s father’s business, Mercer Grease Company, the largest independent grease company in the Southeast. He spent 35 years as a truck driver before retiring. Never one to stay idle for too long, Mike then went to work at Lowe’s, at both the Watson Boulevard and Highway 96 locations as the manager for the seasonal department.

For many years, he worked the sound booth at Mabel White Baptist Church in Macon. He and his family were longtime, active members of Second Baptist Church of Macon. Mike started a ministry at the church, providing and delivering food and groceries to the needy. When he wasn’t volunteering at the church, Mike was at the ball field. He was a dedicated coach and board member for Bloomfield Little League and later, Western Little League. He was very involved for decades with his children and grandchildren during their playing years. He loved watching the kids play ball. Mike was just that kind of family man. Known as “Papa” to his adoring children and grandchildren, he was a wonderful father and grandfather.

Those left to treasure Mike memory include his wife of 48 years, Linda Sue Mercer Howard; children, Brent Knight (Linda), Matthew Howard (Sydney), Joey Howard (Ashley), and Ivey Howard; brother, Donnie Howard; sister, Pam Fritz (David); grandchildren, Dilyn, Summer, Sarah Kate, Carter, Kade, Kinley, Landon, Carlee, Kendall, and Knox; and great grandchild, Hudson; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2022 at McCullough Funeral Home. His service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. He will be laid at rest at Macon Memorial Park.

For friends and family unable to attend, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

Learn more about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.