Louis (Louie) Calvin Howard Jr. of Miami, FL, age 86, passed away from complications from a long battle of Dementia on September 20^th, 2022.  Louis entered the world on February 7^th, 1936 in Perry, Florida born to Larceus and Mary Howard. As his father was a minister, Louis gave himself to Christ at a very early age.

Early in his youth Louis moved to Jacksonville, FL with his mother and siblings Sarah, John, and Jonnie where he became a standout athlete in Track and Field and Football at Matthew W. Gilbert Junior/High School.  At the age of 16, Louis joined the Army to help support his family.  While serving in the Army he traveled around the globe to serve in active combat duty in the Korean War.  While deployed he enjoyed playing poker and bid whist, however during his down time he was introduced to the keyboard by a fellow shipmate.   Louis never had any formal training and learned how to play by “ear”, this is when his love for music flourished.  He became a hit crooning during his tour in Korea and after his discharge he relocated to Miami, FL. and joined the band Frank Williams and the Rocketeers.  Headlining in many venues across the Jim Crow south, he played with the likes of Otis Reading, Sammy Davis, and just about every A-List performer that came through Miami in the 60’s and 70’s; Louis was a local celebrity in Miami.  While his music travels took him all around the U.S., his primary circuit was in the Miami night scene.  He performed in many places like the Jetaway Lounge, The Nightbeat, and the Island Club where he met his wife of 55 years, Doris.  After getting married at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Homestead, FL on December 4, 1966, the couple celebrated their 1^st night as a married couple spending the night away at the James Club, where he had a musical engagement.

Realizing that the life of musician was not conducive to that of a family, Louis enrolled in Florida Memorial University where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. His degree offered him the opportunity to serve over 20 years at the Juvenile Justice System working with our youth. After retiring from Juvenile Justice System, he joined the Pembroke Pines Charter School System, where he worked in several roles to continue his love for working with children. All the while, Louis was very much a family-oriented man and began to dedicate his life and time to church, where he now could use his musical talents to serve the Lord.  Becoming the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Brownsville and New Shiloh Baptist Church, Louis made a joyful noise until the Lord called upon him to join the ministry.  Rev. Arthur Jackson Jr. ordained Louis and he began delivering the Lord’s message from the pulpit.

Knowing Louis was to love him. His smile and his charisma brightened any room that he entered.  He was a loyal and dependable father and friend.  He was strong willed, and if his mind was made up about anything -best believe there was no changing it. However, he adored his beloved wife Doris and while he had one of the strongest wills known to man; she was the only individual in the world that could tame him.  He LOVED SWEETS and MANGOS and would eat a bucket of them with his boys after work and school. In the latter part of his life, he would eat them even if he would not eat anything else. He was a man of faith and would want everyone to celebrate on this day.  He would say don’t cry for me as I am with the Lord.

Preceding his death son Louis Howard III; Louis is survived by his wife Doris Howard; son Victor Howard; daughter Barlou Howard; Grandchildren Louis Howard IV, Victoria Howard, Samaya Howard, and Victor Howard II, Marcus Cottingham, and Jamal Howard; along with a host of Nieces, Nephews, and friends.

A public visitation and service will be held on October 5, 2022 from 10:30 AM with the service at 11;30 am  at the Boyd-Panciera University Drive Chapel located at 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024.  A  Graveside Service with Honors is  scheduled  at 2:00 PM at South Florida National Cemetery located at 6501  South State Road 7, Lake Worth, Floridda 33449