The Baxley Funeral Home announces the funeral services for Michael Anthony “Bootnee” Howard, Jr. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7 from Bennett Tabernacle Holiness Church in Hazlehurst with the Rev. Reuben Bennett, Jr. officiating and Elder Eddie Harmon presiding. The Rev. James Hayes gave the eulogy. Interment was in Hazlehurst Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Hazlehurst.

Howard passed away on November 30, 2013.

Michael Anthony was the first-born baby of the year on January 9, 1988 at Jeff Davis Hospital in Hazlehurst. He was born to the parentage of Michael Anthony Howard, Sr. and Barbara Howard. His grandmother, Maretha Howard, preceded him in death.

Michael attended Jeff Davis County Schools until his senior year. He transferred to Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated with the Class of 2006. During his high school year, Michael had an outstanding record and excelled in the sport of Track and Field. Because of his diligence an athletic ability as a great track star, he was offered a full-ride scholarship upon graduation to Savannah State University. A year and a half later, he then decided to pursue a different career path and enlisted in the United States Navy in March of 2008. He served our country from March 2008 until the end of June 2013.

Michael fell in love with Precious Howard and they were united in holy matrimony on August 16, 2010. He loved and was passionate about cars, motorcycles, and running track. He was affectionately known as a big, lovable kid.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Prescious Howard of Virginia Beach, Virginia; loving parents, Michael Anthony Howard, Sr. and Barbara Howard of Hazlehurst; his grandfather, Billy Howard of Baxley; three brothers, Jimmy Benton of Hazlehurst, Brian (Carolyn) Thomas of Baxley and Willie Skipper of Atlanta; a goddaughter, Makaiya Valentine; a mother-in-law, Denise Hall of Hazlehurst; a father-in-law, Al Hall of Hazlehurst; a godmother, Monica Conaway; a godfather, Ronnie Stephens; godsisters, Ashley Conaway and Nunya Kornegay; a godbrother, Jaquaan Conaway; two sisters-in-law, Jasmine Denning and Porche Hall; three brothers-in-law, Dondal Denning, AJ Hall and Daley Stafford; a loving and dear friend, Jeff White; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Active pallbearers were Justin Robinson, Marquis Drinks, Chris Williams, Marquis Harris, Tracie Sailem, Jadon Harris, Mitchell Wilkerson and Ramone Fisher.

Honorary pallbearers were cousins, classmates and friends.

Musical selections were rendered by Mattie Parker, Regina Eason, and Kristy Bennett.