William Lawrence Howard, Sr.

William Lawrence Howard, Sr., of Chapel Hill, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, August 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on December 22, 1941, in Orange County, North Carolina, to the late Jesse “JT” Thomas Howard and Adell Carden Howard. He was a lifelong native of Orange County and a graduate of Chapel Hill High School.

Lawrence was the beloved husband of Kathleen Wright Howard. They enjoyed 43 wonderful years of marriage, striving together to create a beautiful life filled with many treasured memories. He spent thirty-one years working at UNC Hospitals, where he retired as Supervisor of the Carpentry Department. He truly enjoyed his career and the outstanding people he worked with over the years. Lawrence was a man of remarkable talent who could build or repair just about anything. He had an incredible artistic ability to look at a drawing and recreate what he saw. Whether he was working with his hands, caring for his home, or helping someone solve a problem, Lawrence took great pride in doing things with amazing detail. If it wasn’t done right, he wanted no part of it!

Lawrence was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed fishing. He was particularly proud of catching an eighty-five pound Amberjack, which still holds the record at Surf City Pier. His love for nature and animals gave him much fulfillment during his retired years. He enjoyed feeding the critters that found refuge in his back yard sanctuary, especially the deer and chipmunks. This hobby led him to eventually acquire the nickname “Papa Deer”.

Lawrence loved sports and was talented at nearly every sport he played. He shared that love of sports with his children and grandchildren, taking the time to teach them and proudly attending their games. He was involved with UNC Football for 18 years, pulling chains during the games and taking great pride in being part of the Tar Heel football tradition.

His faith was the most important part of his life. He lived out his testimony each day as he loved and served like Christ. Lawrence loved his church and faithfully attended every service. He enjoyed participating in all types of church activities and was always willing to lend a helping hand and use his many talents to help others.

Lawrence took great pride in his yard and garden and enjoyed spending time caring for them. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that could bring a smile to those around him. He loved to travel with family and friends and made a special point of including his mother on their trips, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Above all, Lawrence was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, teaching them, supporting them, and sharing in the many moments of their lives. His kindness, humor, talents, and love for his family will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Kathy; his daughter, Lisa Kay Andrews of Pittsboro; his son, William Lawrence Howard, Jr. of Pittsboro; his stepdaughter, Kelly Truesdale and husband Jason of Chapel Hill; grandsons, Thomas Andrews and wife Brittany, Ethan Truesdale, Eric Truesdale, and Eli Truesdale; and his great-grandchildren, Jesse Andrews and Lennox “Sissy” Andrews. He is also survived by his loving brothers Vernon Howard and Johnny Howard as well as many wonderful and very special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse “JT” Thomas Howard and Adell Carden Howard, and his sisters-in-law, Edna Howard and Pat Howard and nephew Barry Howard.

Lawrence leaves behind a lifetime of memories and the lasting legacy of a man who could build almost anything, fix almost anything, teach almost anything—but most importantly, a man who loved his family deeply with a Christ-like love that mirrored his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

The Funeral will be held at 11:00am Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Lighthouse Baptist Church. The family will receive friends friday from 5pm to 7pm at Walkers Funeral Home Chapel US HWY 15-501 North Chapel Hill. The burial will follow in Westwood Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to his church Lighthouse Baptist, 12063 US 15-501 North Chapel Hill, NC 27517