of Little Rock, AR

September 30, 1929 - March 18, 2025

James E. Howard (Pete), our beloved Father passed away on March 18, at his home in Little Rock. He was born September 30, 1929 in Mill Creek, Arkansas. Survived by his wife Holly, four children Jamie, Dominique, Peter and Matthew, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and brother, Eddie Ray Howard. The memorial will be held at the Little Rock National Cemetery on Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, Arkansas on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 11:30 am.

He is preceded in death by his mother Mildred Brown, father Everette (Bud) Howard, a stepmother Margaret Howard and five step siblings Billy Washum, Ollijean Dolan, Margie Henson, Everett Howard and Nancy Sleagle.

Pete was born in 1929 and raised in Mill Creek, a small farming community south of Fort Smith by his Grandparents Jim and Goldie Holland. He was born the year of the Great Depression and witnessed not only the harsh realities of that time but also the strength and love it took to survive those times. He was a wonderful story teller and has recounted many wonderful stories of these times in his memoir. He grew up on his grandfather's farm feeding the chickens, slopping the hogs while his Mama Goldie milked the cow. When he was not working, he was swimming in Mill creek with his buddies and catching the bus to Fort Smith to watch the dime matinees where he enjoyed watching Buck Rogers and all the westerns.

He was too young for WWII, but later was called up from the reserves and served in the Korean War. He married our Mother Holly (nee Branson) right before he left for Korea and when he returned he was met by Holly and a bouncing baby girl, Jamie. He took advantage of the GI bill and received a degree in art from U of A. He taught school at Van Buren High School and then at Westark College until his retirement. He is remembered by friends, colleagues and students as an amazing and decent human being and an inspiring teacher.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to AETN (Arkansas Educational Television Network)

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com