Howard Pate "H.P." Drinkard

Howard Pate “H.P.” Drinkard, 87, entered into rest on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

Howard was born on December 9, 1937, in Washington, Georgia, to the late Walter and Mildred Drinkard. After graduating high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably for four years, much of that helping rebuild post-war Japan. From there he went to work in civil service at Robins Air Force base and after a few years he joined the Air National Guard. He retired from RAFB in 1995. In 1997, after achieving the rank of Master Sergeant, Howard was honorably discharged from the Air National Guard.

Howard was a devoted NASCAR fan, tracking his favorite drivers on his home-grown score cards in the early days of the sport. You could often find him in his favorite lawn chair, cigar hanging from his lip, dog at his side, arguing with the radio. He enjoyed simple pleasures like tending his garden, working crossword puzzles, sipping on ice tea and piddling in his shop.

Friends and family could always count on Howard to help out. No job was too big or too small, and he was always glad to share his generosity. From a leaky faucet to new roof, HP was always first in line, ready to help any way he could.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Ann Drinkard, and his wife Virginia Elizabeth Drinkard. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Thomas Drinkard, Charles Drinkard, Warren Drinkard, Helen Dingler, and Juanita Yearwood.

Howard is survived by his children, Dale Drinkard (Marena) of Lincolnton and Bonnie Barfield (Wayne) of Warner Robins; grandchildren, David Drinkard (Melissa), Tiffany Greene, Jamie Drinkard (Aimee), Jason Barfield (Robin), and Daniel Barfield (Lucie Delerba); great-grandchildren, Hayden McCutcheon, Aidan Greene, Mallory Drinkard, George Barfield, Eleanor Barfield, and Anna Barfield; along with siblings, Martin Drinkard (Betty) and Sara Lord.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. in the McCullough chapel. Afterward, Howard will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Howard Pate “H.P.” Drinkard to The Humane Society of Houston County at 810 Carl Vinson Parkway, Centerville, GA 31028 or Gentiva Hospice at 105 Jim Mason Court #100, Warner Robins, GA 31088.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.