Amory – Howard Thomas Boozer, 68, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2016, at North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo. Born on April 14, 1947, in Amory at the Gilmore Sanitarium, he was a son of Don Fay and Nelda Verline Knight Boozer.
During his youth, Howard’s parents provided cherished advice and they were the most influential figures in his life. Howard was a graduate of Amory High School, Class of 1965, where he served as the class President and played on the football team where he was nicknamed “Bull”. He went on to graduate from Itawamba Junior College in 1966 and Mississippi State University in 1970. While attending church, he met his sweetheart, Brenda. They were married on November 18, 1968 and together they proudly raised two children. Howard was a very giving man who was all about family. He was great at giving advice to his children and anyone else that asked him. He never forgot his heritage in Quincy. He always put others first and thinking of himself last. He was a loving husband, the best dad, a great big brother, and a wonderful “Poppy” to his grandkids.
Howard was a motivated leader who didn’t mind working hard. Above all, he served his country for seven years in the Army National Guard Reserves. He was employed for 27 years for Walker Manufacturing Company. He also worked at United Technology, Monroe Shocks, and Fabrivalve (ITT). During his many years of employment, he wanted to give back to his hometown so he became passionately involved with community organizations and his church. Some of the groups he was involved with include Rotary, American Legion, Three Rivers Development P. O. D., Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, Gilmore Memorial Hospital Advisory Board, First Baptist Church Deacon, President of the NMIDA, and he was the Chamber Interim Director. His greatest contribution, to the town he loved, was serving as a Public Service Official. He served for four years as an Amory City Alderman and eight years as the Amory Mayor. He loved his hometown and took great pride in his town both personally and professionally. While serving for the City of Amory, he was a Mississippi Municipal League Executive Board Member and the North Mississippi Economic Development Member.
In his free time, Howard liked to hunt, cook, travel, and collect antique vehicles. At the Antique Car Shows, he had won many trophies for his car and truck. He enjoyed listening to Motown music and he could fix anything. Howard loved his community and was most proud of his family and serving as the Mayor of the fine town of Amory. He was great with people both on and off the job and will be missed dearly by the citizens of Amory and Monroe County.
Survivors include his wife and best friend, Brenda Adams Boozer; son, Alan Thomas Boozer (Vicki), Navarre, FL; daughter, Alison Boozer Gray (Chris), Ocean Springs, MS; brother, David Don Boozer (Lisa), Amory; sister, Suzanne Boozer Brasfield (Monte), West Point, MS; grandchildren, Lane Boozer, Laikyn Boozer, Bailey Keeton, William Thomas Gray and Wesley Brent Gray, John Logan and Reid Little; sister-in-law, Faye Stevens, Starkville, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Nelda Boozer.
His Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, January 14, 2016, at First United Methodist Church, Amory, with Dr. Alan Simpson, Bro. Jimmy McFatter, and Mr. Randy Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rick Walker, Dr. Woody Brand, Dr. Dwight Mc Comb, Bailey Keeton, Esq. John Creekmore, Buddy Bryant, Buddy Hardee, Tommy Wilkerson, John Logan, Bud Everett, and Supv. Billy Kirkpatrick. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Danny Moore, R. W. Cantrell, Leslie Grant, Amory City Employees, Tennaco Employees, and Travis Murray’s Sunday School Class Members.
Due to sanctuary renovations at First Baptist Church, visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Wednesday, at First United Methodist Church.
His family requests memorials are given to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 540, Amory, MS, 38821, Women First of Amory, 215 North Gloster Street, Tupelo, MS , 38804, or St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Blvd., Memphis, TN 38105.
Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.