The Rev Dr John P Howard passed away at his home in Walterboro on August 7, 2025, at the age of 81.

He was born May 12, 1944 in Sydney, Australia to Ralph Howard and Gwendolyn Bunker Howard.  He grew up in Wichita, Kansas before enlisting in the US Marine Corps.  After serving, he attended Midwestern Theological Seminary and earned his Doctor of Education degree from Nova University.  He then returned to military service as a Chaplain in the US Navy.  After leaving the military, he developed the hospital chaplaincy program at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, NC where he served as hospital chaplain until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Mark Howard.

He is survived by his sister, Linda Peters and her husband Ted; a son, Michael Howard; a daughter, Stephanie Wilson; and four grandchildren, William Howard, Delaney Howard, Sydney Howard and Rowan Davies.

A private family ceremony will be held at a later date.  Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro is assisting the family with arrangements.