Howard Richard Lance, 78, of Salisbury, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016. He was the loving husband of the late Shirley Walker Lance to whom he was married to for over 50 years. Howard was born on May 15, 1938 to the late George and Bertha (Selders) Lantz in Preston County, W.Va. He worked as a truck driver for Hazel Construction in Chantilly, Va. for most of his life. Howard proudly served his county in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. His faith was a very important part of his life and he devoted a lot of his time to Eastside Baptist Church where he was a member. Howard loved to help people and did whatever he could to lend a hand to others. In addition to his wife and his parents, Howard was preceded in death by two sons, David and Richard “Butch” Lance; and one brother, William George Lance. Howard is survived by his son, Carl “Buddy” Lance of Harpers Ferry, W,Va.; daughter, Joyce Harlow of Leesburg, Va.; brother, Fred (Mandy ) Lantz of Leesbury, Va.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Visitation & Service: A visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016 from 6-8 p.m. at Powles Staton Funeral Home in Rockwell. Mr. Lance will lie in state at Eastside Baptist Church in Salisbury on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 from 10:30-11 a.m. prior to the service which will be held at 11 a.m. at the church, with Rev. Joe Black, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Rowan County Veteran's Honor Guard and the North Carolina National Guard. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to Eastside Baptist Church, 370 Trexler Road, Salisbury, NC 28146. Powles Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell, honored provider of veteran's funeral care, is assisting the Lance family. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.