William Oscar Howard

William Oscar Howard was an old soul with a fair mind, a great heart, and a sense of humor that could make even the hardest days lighter. He was thoughtful, kind, and deeply curious about the world around him—but more than anything, Oscar loved making people laugh.

Oscar is survived by his parents, William D. Howard, Jr. and Jennifer M. Butler; his brother and best friend, Ennis C. Howard; his grandparents, Bill and Glenda Howard and Mike and Donna McGrath; as well as many loving relatives and friends.

Oscar had a remarkable number of interests and talents. He loved planes and flying games, Dungeons & Dragons, video games, history, and intricate model kits. He could lose himself in the details of almost anything that captured his imagination. He also had an incredible gift for drawing and seemed to have a natural talent for just about everything he tried.

He had a way of seeing things with fairness and thoughtfulness beyond his years. Oscar cared deeply about people and carried a kindness and compassion that will continue to be remembered by everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Even in death, Oscar gave to others. His family chose to donate his organs, knowing that helping others is something Oscar would have wanted. It is one final reflection of the generous heart he carried throughout his life.

Oscar leaves behind a world that is quieter without his laughter, his humor, his creativity, and his wonderfully unique way of looking at life. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered in every story that makes us laugh, every plane in the sky, every adventure imagined, every game played, and every perfectly detailed drawing.

And, of course, he would probably want us to mention that he didn’t trust the British—for various reasons that made perfect sense to Oscar—and somehow always managed to make us laugh like hell about it.

A service celebrating the life of Oscar will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 300 E. McIver Street, Angier, NC. The family will briefly receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the following local charities in memory of Oscar: Children's Flight of Hope or Old Cowboy Animal Rescue