Howard Williams

Howard Lawrence Williams born in Tacoma, Washington on Sunday, March 5^th, 1950, passed away on Saturday, February 19^th, 2022, at the age of 71.  Howard was the firstborn of four children born to Tommie (nee Payne) and Lawrence Williams.  Howard grew up in Tacoma, Washington and graduated from Stadium High School in 1969.  After graduation, Howard moved north to Bellingham, Washington to attend Western Washington University.  He lived many of his years in Sudden Valley where he was a devoted father to his son, David Williams, whom he shared with Marlana Field (nee Adams).  He worked as a millworker at Georgia Pacific until the plant closed in 2007.  After GP, Howard later enrolled himself in Skagit Community College taking many business classes which instilled a passion and drive for home business entrepreneurship.

Although extremely private, Howard was best known for his love of others and carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was beyond classy, never wearing denim, only slacks and a dress shirt or even a turtleneck and blazer were his signature looks.  As a class act, Howard always chose the high road even if he was angry, and always would listen even if he disagreed.  During the holiday season, he could be found leaving a gift for a family in need at their doorstep, knock and run as to not bring attention or credit to himself.  The same could be said of a newly engaged couple receiving weekly gifts from their registry on their porch.  Howard was someone you could depend on to be there for you at any hour of the day or night.  His son David was in contact with him many times during the week and viewed him as his hero, best friend, and the smartest man he knew.  As a proud grandfather, Howard dearly loved both Nyah and Tevin, often spending time with them on Mondays at Summit Trampoline Park.  When his granddaughter Nyah was born, Howard set up a constant delivery of diapers to alleviate the need for her new parents.  When David and Frankie shared that they were naming their son Tevin Howard, this sparked great joy and happiness in Howard.  He loved to see the world through their young eyes.  He was a loving and caring human to the core; never wanting to be a burden to anyone. He always wanted everyone to be their best even sharing his self-help books, his latest interests or financial wisdom of investments or cryptocurrency with them.  He was known for ending a phone call with, “Have an awesome day!”  If you were in the presence of him, many times he would simply slip out the back, not bringing any attention to his departure.  This was a signature “Howard move”, never wanting to say goodbye as it was too permanent. Howard will be deeply missed for his unconditional love, his support, his smile, tearful laughter, detailed stories, giving nature, true loyalty, and lifelong friendship.

Howard was proceeded in death by his mother Tommie and brother Herold.  Howard leaves behind his sister Vera Williams of Tacoma, sister Darlene (Melvin & Zaire) Conyers of South Carolina, son David Williams, grandchildren Nyah and Tevin (Frankie) Williams of Bellingham, niece Nikole (Isaiah & David Jr.) Forslof of Bellingham, and his lifelong friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held on June 25^th at 11:00 AM at Donnie & Cassy Harrison’s residence (3460 Slater Road, Ferndale, WA).  Please bring a picture and story to tell.