Mr. Rufus Billy Howard, Sr. of 555 King Avenue, Rochelle, Georgia died Thursday, June 6, 2024 at his residence.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 4:00 PM in the sanctuary of the Pine City Baptist Church in Rochelle, Georgia.  The burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery.

Mr. Rufus Billy Howard, Sr. was born November 3, 1946 in Rochelle, Georgia.  He was the son of the late Mr. Gene Howard, Sr. and the late Mrs. Elizabeth Davis Howard.

He received his education from the public schools of Wilcox County and was a graduate of Excelsior High School.   He accepted Christ as Lord of his life and united with the Pine City Baptist Church in Rochelle, Georgia.

On Thursday, June 6, 2024 he traded the cares of this life for a brand new life.   His life and the many special memories he shared will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Geneva Howard of Rochelle, Georgia; his loving and devoted children, Deacon Lonnie (Veronica) Howard of Hawkinsville, Georgia, Mr. Rufus B. (April) Howard, Jr. of Rochelle, Georgia, Mr. Carlos D. (Jean) Howard of Warner Robins, Georgia, Mrs. Latorya D. (Michael) Smith of Savannah, Georgia, and Mrs. Kayla L. (Terrelle) Howard of Fitzgerald, Georgia; 17 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; his  loving sisters, Mrs. Nora J. (Melvin) Powell of Rochelle, Georgia and Mrs. Bernita D. Fontanez-Cuadrabo of Americus, Georgia; his beloved brothers, Mr. Sydney A. (Dela) Howard of Memphis, Tennessee and Mr. Henry G. (Geneva) Howard, Jr. of Rochelle, Georgia; his uncle, Mr. Sydney Atkins of Savannah, Georgia; his sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary Lee (Richard) Troutman of Rochelle, Georgia; his brother-in-law, Mr. Floyd (Daisy) Patterson of Rochelle, Georgia; a host of nieces and nephews, to include Mr.  Phillip Marshall and Mr. Doball Howard both of Rochelle, Georgia; a host of cousins, other relatives and many sorrowing friends, to include, Mr. Billy Emory of Rochelle, Georgia.