Billy Lee Howard the son of James Howard and Jessie (Beavers) Howard was born Sept. 4, 1953 in West Plains, Missouri and departed this life Jan. 4, 2007 at the age of 53 years and 4 months.

Billy was a life long resident of the Ava area. He was employed as a truck driver and owned and operated his own truck. On July 12, 1974 Billy and Nona Marie Downs were united in marriage in Ava, MO. Billy and Marie were blessed with three children. Billy enjoyed gardening and being with his family and friends. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Billy was preceded in death by his father, James Howard. He is survived by his wife, Nona Marie, three children, Misty Dawn Howard, Billie Leanne Howard and Dustin James Howard, all of Ava, MO, a foster son, James Osborn, Springfield, MO, his mother, Jessie Howard, Dora, MO, two sisters, Mrs. Gayle Barnes, Springfield, MO, Mrs. Linda Smith, Cuba, MO, one brother, Ronnie Howard, Dora, MO, and host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be 2:00 P.M., Monday, Jan. 8, 2007 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO, with Bro. Bobby Davidson, Bro. Ed Williamson and Bro. Ron Alexander officiating. Interment will follow in the Whites Creek Cemetery, Ava, MO. Friends may call at the funeral home after 5:00 P.M. Saturday. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Soc.