GENEVA, AL--Howard Lucas Gupton died 12 August 2022 at 89 years of age at his home, Westbrook Assisted Living Facility in Geneva, Alabama, after a brief illness.

Born 18 October 1933 to M.L. and Annie Gupton (Joyner) in McCullers, NC raised and schooled in Franklinton, NC.

He retired from the Air Force after a long and honorable career in Security and Telecommunications.

Assignments were in Europe, South East and South West Asia, the far East and the Pentagon.

Howard was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 52, Franklinton, NC as well as the VFW, and was a proud supporter of their endeavors.

He spent much of his retirement with the love of his life, Billie Ruth, in San Antonio, TX. They were married in Las Vegas 8 October 2008, after many years of courtship.

Both Howard and Billie Ruth loved the San Antonio Spurs and the North Carolina Tarheels.

Howard loved watching and playing golf, throwing darts, bowling with the guys, or spending time at "The Office" - The Yellow Rose Saloon; with Jimbo, Mac and countless others.

He is survived by his step-children David Wildes (wife Odalie, grandchildren Celeste and Nicole), Cynthia Wildes (partner Jim, grandchildren Samantha and Lisa), John, Niece Connie Moss (grands Marcie and Del) and granddaughter Morgan Ralko (husband Rich Forster); and many other great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins as well.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents; Brothers Joe, Joe Joyner Jr., Walter; Sister Cleo Joyner Wood; Beloved Wife Billie Ruth Gupton (Hornsby); step-daughter and step-son-in-law, Randy and Susan Ray (Wildes).

Services for Howard will be at Fairview Cemetery in Franklinton September 15, 2022 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Alz.org, or the Cancer Center at MD Anderson.

Paid obituary