Howard Gardner Shuford, 93, passed away on February 2, 2015 at home in John's Creek, GA .

He was born on September 16, 1921 in LaGrange, the son of Mary Jane Gordy Shuford and Herndon Frederick Shuford. A World War II veteran, Howard served with the United States Army in the European Theater attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was recently honored by the Partnership of the Department of the Army and Homestead Hospice for his service. Following the war, Howard returned to LaGrange and continued his employment with Callaway Mills Company where he worked until his retirement in 1987. He was supervisor of Callaway Educational Center, where he directed the tennis program for over 50 years. He and his brother, Dexter, managed the many art, athletic and cultural activities at CEA for a combined total of over 100 years. In 1999, LaGrange and Troup County named the new softball complex Shuford Fields, in recognition of all they did to help the young people in LaGrange and Troup County through their commitment to their church and community. He was married to the love of his life, Betty Bryant, for 49 and one half years until her death in 1997. They raised four daughters: Susan, Katherine, Phyllis, and Beth. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church for over 55 years where he served as Sunday School director and teacher, deacon and RA leader and he was a member of the choir for many years.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Shuford Shiver, a grandson, Alfred McKay Shiver, two brothers, Fred (Adeline) Shuford and Rueben (Lila) Shuford, two sisters, Mildred (Otis) Fetner, and Ila Mae (B.H.) Brumbeloe.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Al Shiver of Marion, NC., Katherine and Tommy Mike, Phyllis and Mike Poe of LaGrange, Beth and Pat Wingo of John's Creek, GA, his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Tad Mike, Kami Mike (Christopher) Adams (Addison, Ford, Eliza Ann), Kristi Shiver (Rileigh, Katilyn, Kellsey), Michael (Kylisha) Poe (Parker and Khloe), Sara Mike (Jess) Nix (Barrett, Duncan, Jasper, and Layla Elizabeth), Nicholas (Crystal) Poe (Anna and Cameron), Katie Shiver, Mallory Wingo (Jay) Self (Presley Jane), and Hannah Wingo, one brother Dexter(Reyn) Shuford, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service and visitation will be held on February 21, 2015 at Unity Baptist Church, 715 South Greenwood Street, LaGrange. Visitation will be from 11:00 to 12:00 with the Memorial Service at 12:00. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Unity Baptist Church, South Greenwood Street, LaGrange, GA 30240.

Higgins LaGrange Chapel Funeral Home, 706-884-7117.