Joseph Burton "J.B" Howard

Joseph Burton “J.B.” Howard, 77, of Buncombe County, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Valor Hospice at the Charles George VA Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. J.B. was a native of Buncombe County and the eldest of nine children.

A proud and distinguished veteran of the U.S. Army, J.B. served his country with honor and dedication. His military career included deployments to Germany and Korea, followed by multiple tours in Vietnam, where he served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the 101st Airborne Division, the 4th Infantry Division, and Special Forces. After an honorable discharge, J.B. continued his commitment to public service, embarking on a career with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, from which he retired in 1984.

Following his retirement, J.B. embraced his entrepreneurial spirit, establishing Howard Investigations & Security Services and other small businesses. A lifelong learner, he pursued academic excellence, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from UNC Charlotte and a Master’s degree from UNC Asheville.

J.B. was a man of strong moral principles, evident in his active involvement with Freemasonry. He served as a Master Mason and Past Master of Nichol-West Asheville Lodge No. 650 and was also engaged in the York and Scottish Rites of Freemasonry, as well as the Shriners.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Newton Howard, and his children: Kimberly Howard Drown (Matthew) of Smithfield, NC; Joseph B. “Jody” Howard (Anna) of Hendersonville, TN (and their mother, Sheila Howard); and Brenda’s daughter, D’yette Spain (Matt) of Charlotte, NC. He took immense pride in his grandchildren: Isaac and Bella Drown, Owen, Marley and Layla Spain, and Eli and August Howard. J.B. is also survived by his brothers, Billy, Bruce, and David Howard; his sister, Nancy Howard; and his special friend, Joyce Bradley, who was like a sister to him. He will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues in Asheville, Lincolnton, and beyond.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ms. Belva Elizabeth Bradley Howard Greene; his infant brother, Kenneth; and his sisters Linda Haynes, Sally Smeltzer, and Carolyn Price, as well as Brenda’s son, Little Charlie.

A Funeral Service to celebrate J.B.’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Blue Ridge Gardens Of Memory in Pisgah Forest, NC. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM.

Memorial donations in J.B.’s honor can be made to the selfless staff who serve those who served at: Charles George VA Medical Center Valor Hospice Unit, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville NC 28805 (Check Memo: Valor Hospice).