Howard Hayworth Lemonds

ASHEBORO - Howard Hayworth Lemonds, Sr. went to Heaven on January 24, 2013. He was 89 years old. Howard was born on February 21, 1923 and was the 10th of 12 children born to William Dossie & Artimisha Lemonds. He is predeceased by his parents and his wife of 62 years, Joyce King Lemonds, and all of his siblings except one. Those who passed on before him were brothers Clyde, Carl, Alfred, Henry, Elvin, Warren and Ernest and sisters Mae, Hazel and Edith. Howard was a World War II veteran who serviced with the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theater. At the age of 17 he stepped from ushering at the Sunset Theater to combat duty on the islands of Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Cape Gloucester. He was very proud to have served his country as a Marine. He retired from Union Carbide (Energizer) after 36 years of faithful service. Upon retirement, he and Joyce travelled by recreational vehicle, on cruises and tours. He was a dedicated member of Oakhurst Baptist Church where he was a deacon and usher. He and Joyce loved their church, and they both worked tirelessly in many capacities there. His sense of humor, love of conversation, and fondness of visiting people produced many friends over the years. Always active, Howard volunteered at the NC Zoo and with Special Olympics, as well as being a member of Civitans. He was a 50 year + Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the American Legion. Howard enjoyed woodworking, and his house and those of his children and grandchildren contain many items he lovingly crafted. He was also an avid hunter and a lover of Badin Lake where he and his brother-in-law built a house that brought many years of fun, activity and fond memories for both families. As Howard's health declined, he was patiently cared for by loving care givers; Robin Clifton, Sandra Jernigan, Theresa Taylor, Virginia Stines, Vivian Phetmixay, Sue Maness, Diane Poplin, and Phillis Graves. He is survived by his baby sister, Sue Lemonds Montgomery and 3 children; Vickie Lorimer and husband, Curt, Sandy Lemonds, Hayworth Lemonds and wife, Gwyn. Also surviving him are 6 grandchildren; Courtney Lorimer Kelly (Mac), Brittany Lorimer Laxton (Jamie), Noelle Lemonds Harper (Tommy), Nicolle Lemonds, Tripp Lemonds and Tyler Lemonds. 5 great grandchildren also survive him; Conner and Larson Kelly, Brody and Brock Laxton and Vera Lemonds. A memorial service will be held at Oakhurst Baptist Church on Monday, January 28, at 2:00 PM with Reverend Richard Crider officiating. Visitation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Oakhurst Baptist Church, 2225 South Fayetteville Street, Asheboro, NC 27205 or Hospice Of Randolph, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204-0009. Online condolences to the family at: www.pughfuneralhome.com