Obituary of William Howard Love
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William Howard Love of Megan Lane, Boone, died Friday morning, February 6, 2009 at Watauga Medical Center. He was born in Watauga County to the late Coy and Gladys Hodges Love. After graduating from Cove Creek High School, Howard joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Des Moines during the Korean Conflict. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Appalachian State Teachers College and his Masters Degree in Education from Appalachian State University. Mr. Love was one of the first teachers of Drivers Education in the state of NC and was the first Drivers Education teacher in Watauga County. He served as principal of Mabel Elementary School, Blowing Rock Elementary School and Green Valley Elementary School. Following a career in education, he worked locally in the banking industry. Mr. Love was a Master Gardener. For a number of years, he was employed by the Town of Boone as the town landscaper and was instrumental in helping to develop the Greenway Trail. He partnered with Lee and Vivian Reynolds in planning and caring for the many flower gardens seen and enjoyed by many around town.
Howard was also a grower of Christmas Trees. Active in marketing the area Christmas Tree industry, he served as President of the Watauga County Nurserymen Association and also served as President of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association.
Mr. Love is survived by his wife, Gayle Reece Love; two daughters, Sandy Love of Holly Springs and Pam Rush and husband Eddie and granddaughter, Megan Rush, all of Boone; one brother, Jim Love and wife Kathryn of Blowing Rock; three sisters, Doris Hodges and husband Stan of Tacoma, Washington, Ruth Henson and Jim Burgess of Blowing Rock and Jean Perry and husband Ned of Millers Creek; brother-in-law, Albert Yates of Lenoir; and sister-in-law, Peggy Hagaman and husband Hugh of Sugar Grove. A host of nieces, nephews, aunt and cousins also survive.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Myrtle Schweibert, Una Fields and Virginia Yates.
Memorial services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Boone Advent Christian Church, officiated by Dr. Rodney Duke, Jim Love and Rev. Darrell Bare. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, following services, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be made to the family at austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Love family.