Howard

Will Howard of Horseshoe Bay passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025 after a short illness. He was 88 years old.

Born on Dec. 29, 1936 in Lucedale, Miss., he was the son of Wilmer and Bealle Howard. Will graduated from George County High School in 1954 and went on to attend the University of Southern Mississippi (USM.) He interrupted his studies to enlist in the US army in 1957, where he completed basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and went on to be a paratrooper in the 82nd airborne. After two years of service, he returned to USM and completed his business degree in 1960.

Will married Alma Jeannine Gleaton in 1960 and they moved to Dallas, where Will worked with Remington Rand and Hanesbrands. In 1965, Will began his successful 30year career with 3M, where he was recognized as a 3M honorary ambassador of goodwill upon his retirement.

After retirement, Will moved permanently to Horseshoe Bay in 1995, where he met and married Marilyn Gebhardt Waggoner in 1998. Later, he founded Golf Mercado, a small business through which he continued his passion for sales.

Will shall be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father, loyal friend, and natural salesman whose warmth and wit touched everyone he met. He was active in the Horseshoe Bay community and leaves behind a legacy of connection, dedication, and joy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeannine, and brothers in law M.L. Goff and John Gleaton.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn and children Jennifer (Clay) Rightmer, Wade (Karen) Howard, Julie Zavala, and Jeff Howard; as well as grandchildren, Lane Rightmer, Reed Rightmer, Kaylin Zavala, Zack Zavala and Georgia Howard. Also, four step-daughters, Dawn Vaughn, Velvet (David) Serley, Paige (Jim) Fairfield, Amber (Tom) Rokas, eight stepgrandchildren, two step-great grandchildren, sister, Maxine Goff as well as three nieces and two nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Will’s life will be held at The Church of Horseshoe Bay on Saturday, July 19 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Hill Country 100.