WOODLAND, NC- Dallas Earl Howard, Jr., age 58, of Linden Street, passed away on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia.
Dallas was born on November 13, 1962 to Dallas Howard, Sr. and Lois Vann Matthis in Portsmouth, VA. Dallas married the love of his life, Lorraine and became the Dad that he didn’t have to be to his children. He would do anything could to make Lorraine happy. He loved music, playing his guitar, and especially ministering to people through his music. Dallas was a Christian leader in both the Woodland United Methodist Church and All God’s Children Church. He enjoyed fishing and working on his home which was his life long project of remodeling his home. He taught his son to be a big kid just like him. Always smiling and enjoying life. Dallas was loved dearly by his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Atha Lorraine Howard.
Dallas is survived by two daughters, Atha Jatko of Roxobel, and Amanda Brown and husband Jerry of Aulander; a son, Richard Tibbs and wife Laura of Franklin, KY; a grandson, Bruce Jatko, III; four granddaughters, Bryanna Jatko and finance’ River Baker Neil of Roxobel, Micheala Jatko, Abigail Brown, and Maura Law; a great-granddaughter, Helen Lorraine Barker Neil; a sister, Theresa Edwards and husband Jamie; a brother, Kenneth R. Howard of Ahoskie; two nephews, Chris Parker and wife Sandra of Ahoskie, and James Smith of Ahoskie; and niece, Amanda Smith of Lumberton; along with many friends.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC and other times at the home.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 12:00 pm at All God’s Children United Methodist Church, Aulander, NC, with Rev. Laura Early officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the All God’s Children United Methodist Church, PO Box 69, Aulander, NC 27805, or online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Howard family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
Tomorrow would have been your birthday. What a wonderful Birthday you must be celebrating. Please know that you are remembered and loved. We miss you, old man.
Thanks for the Memories and keep smiling. We love you STINKIE!
CHOWAN MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
Dallas was a kind and generous soul who helped me repeatedly at Green Hall. It seemed there was nothing he couldn’t do or wouldn’t do to help us. His smile was there every time he visited. May he experience peace and love.
Dallas was my buddy, we worked together about every weekday for 3 years. He was old school, he wouldn’t show you how to do something unless you were really gonna listen. He taught me so much in the trades. We had fun too, listening to John Prine a folk singer. Dallas fell in love with this music towards this year and listened to it constantly. I miss him clocking in with a song, belting it out down the hallway at work.
He was compassionate, He struggled in life for many years, but he believed that God’s grace was enough for him. He had the courage to take his eyes off himself and look to Jesus his savior.
I will miss him, I never knew I would miss him this much.
Stewart and I always thought the world of Dallas, my heartfelt sympathy to all, he will be missed in our community.
Dallas was a very special person who always had a smile and kind words for others even when he was going through painful things in his own life. He will be missed ! His family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
I did not know Dallas but I know his son and reading others memories allows me to see where Richard gets his kind hearted nature. I lost my dad earlier this year and know how lonely my mother has been. What a blessing to know that there is a place God has prepared for His children where we can be reunited with our loved ones.
Dallas was a customer and a friend . He was so happy for me when I became saved 2 years ago and baptized last year. Ill miss our chats at Ace when we had the chance between customers. I know ill be seeing you again friend , I know that you are so happy to meet God and maybe singing Him a song or two. ..
I barely knew Dallas, but at the same time, it felt like I did know him. He fixed many things in my apartment for me, and I specifically remember the beginning of this semester.. He came over and was confused that there were so many maintenance issues with my apartment, because he thought he went through the whole building prior to students moving in, but somehow he missed my apartment. We ended up just talking about life stuff and laughing at things I can’t quite remember, but he was so easy to talk to, and I could tell he really loved the job that he did, and he had a great spirit about him. I wish all of his friends and family my deepest condolences in this difficult time, he will surely be missed.
One of the first people I met at Chowan University was Dallas. He poked his head in the door and smiled, “Hey, there! You are new around these parts.” He introduced himself and it went from there. HE WAS ALWAYS there for us, no matter what the problem was. While we needed his expertise, he also enjoyed and needed his kindness and humor. Since his wife passed, he was not the same. I’m happy that Dallas is where he wanted to be. DALLAS, you made you mark and we won’t forget you. Much love and many prayers for all the family.
Rest in Peace Dallas. I will miss seeing you at Chowan. You always spoke kind words. My thoughts and prayers are with your family members.