Mr. Carey Howard, 83, of Chincoteague, passed away peacefully Sept. 23, 2021, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital with his devoted wife of 61 years by his side.
Born on Chincoteague Island on April 2, 1938, Carey was the son of the late William Lee Howard and the late Mary Mariah (Daisey) Howard. He was a graduate of the Chincoteague High School Class of 1957. In school he was an excellent student, an accomplished and competitive athlete, and a member of the state champion track-and-field team of 1956. After graduation, Carey went on to marry the former Betty Lou Brittingham on Aug. 13, 1960. The couple raised their two children together at their home on the island. Carey worked alongside his twin brother, Terry, all his adult life, first as a waterman and in later years as a house painter.
As a young man, he accepted Christ as his savior and became a member of Union Baptist Church on Chincoteague.
Carey was extremely proud of his Chincoteague heritage and way of speaking, and he valued the benefits of hard work. He strived to pass his work ethic and love of the island along to his children and grandchildren. He worked hard all his life to provide for his family to whom he was devoted.
In addition to spending time with his family, Carey enjoyed sharing stories from his past, working in his vegetable garden, collecting coins, and his wife’s good cooking. He also loved old-style country music and adored his dogs, Vera and Calvin.
In addition to his wife, Betty Lou, Carey is survived by a daughter, Susan (Birch) Pertsch, and her husband, Charlie; a son, Shaney Howard, and his wife, Vanessa; a twin brother, Terry Howard, and his wife, Judy; granddaughter, Hannah Victoria Birch; grandsons, Robert Carter Birch, Christian Alexander Birch, and Owen Arlo Young; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Carey was predeceased by both of his parents, son-in-law, Gregory Birch, brother, Darrell Howard, brother, Mitchell Howard Sr., sister-in-law, Josephine Howard, and a nephew, Scott Howard.
Funeral services are being provided by Salyer’s Funeral Home of Chincoteague. The viewing was held at the funeral home Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, from 7 to 9 p.m., with a private family viewing at 6 p.m. The funeral service was held at the Union Baptist Church, also on Chincoteague, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at 2 p.m,. with interment in the Daisey Cemetery on Chincoteague.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home Inc., on Chincoteague Island.
