Howard became involved in the working end of bowling in 1975 as a coach with the youth. His enjoyment with the youth activities, tournaments and awards programs drew attention from the adult board. An invitation to vist the men’s board during a reformation meeting and he was “hooked”. He was appointed to their Board in September, 1978. Serving on various committees, his managerial talents were immediately recognized. He was elected 1st Vice President in 1979, moving up to the President’s chair in 1980, holding that position until 1982. Before work commitments took him out of state, he was instrumental in establishing the sun Fun Classic Tournament which enjoyed a ten year run in Myrtle Beach.
Following a one year hiatus, Howard returned to the Grand Strand and was re-appointed to the Board in May 1983, and immediately appointed to 2nd Vice President. Howard then became active on the state level by attending meetings and jamborees. In 1985 he was again elevated to the presidency of the local association, holding that position until 1990.
Howard was a working “hands on” president, actively participating in all functions of the association. He graduated from a CLJW held in Myrtle Beach and became one of the first Certified Lane Inspector of this association. He was very active in forming a bowling council and working with the YABA. He was the creator of our YABA Scholarship Fund, providing a $1,000.00 grant each year to a deserving youth bowler. In 1986 he attended his first LAOTC, a regional in Jacksonville, FL. Howard was rewarded for his diligent efforts being honored as only the second in his association to receive the Director of the Year Award. He was also honored to be one of the first two inductees into the Grand Strand Bowling Hall of Fame.
His leadership of the Grand Strand Bowling Association was instrumental in his association receiving the ABC Service Award in 1985, the Five Year Service Award in 1990, the Ten Year Service Award in 1995 and the coveted ABC President’s Award of Merit in 1996. He was selected by his association to attend the ABC Conventions and accept two of these awards; the first and the Ten Year Award.
In 1986 his presence became more prevalent as he was elected Lower District Director of the SCSBA. One of his first duties was assisting with the 1986 SCSBA Tournament, hosted by the Grand Strand. To this date, that is the largest SCSBA Championship Tournament in number of teams (494). For the 1993 Jamboree Howardinitiated a raffle to bring a Bowling Ambassador to assist the SCSBA Hall of Fame presentations and ceremonies. He worked many hours and agressively promoted the State Seniors Tournament by the Grand Strand. In 1989 Howard was elected 3rd Vice President of the SCSBA, moving up the ladder to the President’s chair in 1992. For his contributions to the SCSBA he was elected Life Member in 1993.
Howard is a leader, deserving of membership in the SCSBA Hall of Fame.
Died in 2007
