John Carl Howard

John Carl Howard, 62, of Lake Butler, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, August 22. John was born in Gainesville on May 8, 1962, and was a lifelong resident of Union County. After graduating from Union County High School, he began his career working at the family business, Hobo Tractor. From dawn to dusk, his hard work was matched only by his love for his family, who were the center of his world. John married his high school sweetheart, Melanie, in 1982, and together they built a life deeply rooted in their family traditions and faith.

John Carl is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Melanie; their three children, Shayna (Kevin) Harrison, Justin (Jessica) Howard, and Ashton (Kendyl) Willis; and eight grandchildren, Graysen, Kennon, Blair, Jepson, JoyDel, Drake, Judd, and Avie-Kate; his mother, Shirley Howard; brothers Andy (Gigi) Howard and David Howard; brother-in-law Jack Parrish; sister-in-law Terri Parrish; nephew Zeb Howard; cousin Aimee Howard Cress; nieces Megan Perry, Jesse Parrish, and Taylor Hanks; and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Canova Howard; his brother, Charles Howard; and his nephew, Chuck Howard.

John Carl’s legacy extends beyond his work on the farm and at the family business. He was a lifelong member of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church. His commitment to preserving his family’s traditions was evident in the way he lived and worked, and he took great pride in passing down these values to his children and grandchildren. He was part owner of Hobo Tractor with his son, Justin, and his brother, David. In his 45 years at Hobo Tractor, many people came in as customers and left as lifelong friends.

He lived his life as an honest, hardworking, faithful man and devoted every breath to his family and friends. On the rare occasion that John wasn’t working or on the farm, you could find him on his boat, in a tree stand, grilling for family and friends, watching his grandsons at the ballfield, or seeing his granddaughters twirl on the dance floor. With John’s passing, this community will feel a tremendous void as his unselfish love was far-reaching and touched so many. John Carl will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and loyal customers but will never be forgotten. His legacy will remain strong through his children, grandchildren, and many friends.

The family will receive friends for a visitation Monday, August 26th from 6pm-8pm at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 27th beginning at 11am at his church, Harmony Free Will Baptist Church. He will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Elzey Chapel Cemetery. Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Howard family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Harmony Free Will Baptist Church.