Beach Howard, 92, of Davidson, N.C. died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 at the Huntersville Oaks. Born the youngest of seven in Yuma, Az. in 1919, he was the last living relative in his immediate family.

Mr. Howard served in the Navy during WWII and upon discharge, he returned to California where he started a job with Pacific Bell. After more than 40 years of service, he took early retirement and began his hobby of rock cutting and polishing, making treasured jewelry for family and friends. His late wife, Louise, made it clear that if Mr. Howard was going to retire he needed a hobby and as always, out of a true and unconditional love, he gladly did whatever she wanted.

A service to celebrate Mr. Howard’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Chapel of the Huntersville Oaks, 12019 Vanstory Road Huntersville, N.C. Please come share a “Beach” story or memory.

Beach is survived by daughters, Karen (Dee Dee) Joly and husband Ralph of Lexington, Ky. and Cindy Howard of Davidson, N.C. He also leaves behind grandsons, Matthew Regan and Nicholas Squaglia, both of California.

Mr. Howard never met a stranger and once you met him you never forgot him or his name. He was quick-witted and funny, even up to the end. A classic “Beech-ism” of late was to his neurologist, Dr. Jung: When asked by Dr. Jung what state he lives in, Mr. Howard answered without missing a beat, “Denial.”

He was preceded in death by the love of his live, wife of 60 years Louise Code Howard, parents and siblings.

The family would like to thank the staff of Dr. Tiana Losinski, Presbyterian Hospital, Home Careolina and Huntersville Oaks for their compassionate and excellent care. You all made Mr. Howard feel like he was family. And, finally, Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, who went above and beyond all expectations of quality and dignity for the end of Mr. Howard’s life, with both palliative and hospice care.

The family requests no flowers, but instead asks for donations to Hospice & Palliative Care Lake Norman, 705 Griffith Street, Davidson, NC 28036 in Beach Howard’s name.

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Service Huntersville, NC is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences at www.raymerfh.com.