Robert “Pops” James Howard Sr., 65, of Stony Point, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. He was born in Chemung County, N.Y., on June 30, 1959, to the late James Robert Howard and Zella Seeley Howard.

He worked in construction and later worked as a mechanic at the Statesville Auto Auction before retiring.

Survivors include three sons, Michael Howard of Statesville, Robert James Howard Jr. of the home, and Chris Hosler and wife Chelsea of Scotts Creek; one brother, William E. Howard of Boynton Beach, Fla.; one sister, Carol A. Lackey and husband, Charles B., of Statesville; three grandchildren, Julian Dancey, Gunther Howard, and Cooper Hosler; two nieces, Shannon Benton and Dakota Howard; one nephew, Dale Johns; four great nephews; and one special loved one, Eva Howard.

A memorial service will be held Monday, October 21, 2024, at The Living Waters Community Church at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be given to The Living Waters Community Church, 4837 Taylorsville Hwy., Stony Point, NC 28678).

Chapman Funeral Home is serving the Howard family.