Pastor Charles Lindburgh Howard

Pastor Charles Linbergh Howard was born August 3, 1947 in Jones, Alabama to the late Lillie W. Howard and T.L. Caver.  He was baptized at an early age at Figtree Baptist Church.  He departed this life at Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, Alabama on January 14, 2020.  He was a member of the 1965 graduating class of the Autauga County Training School.  During his high school years, he excelled in sports, especially basketball.  His educational opportunities included Alabama State University, Selma University, Sanford University, and a Degree in Theology.  Other outstanding accomplishment included a draft by the Chicago Cubs.  Pastor Howard moved to Detroit, Michigan, gained employment at General Motors until he was drafted into the United States Army.  During his service years he was awarded a purple heart.  He later led his family to Father, Son & Holy Ghost Church under the leadership of Bishop Algie Morgan.  During his stay he was called to preach the gospel before he returned to his his home church which was then named Figtree Baptist church.  During his pastoral leadership he led Figtree members to a new church building designed and built from the ground.  He named the new church Figtree Living Word Church.  During his 19 years as Pastor, devotional praise teams and tithes were originated, the old sanctuary became the first fellowship hall.  He often told the members that he had to change the name of the church to remove traditions from the heart of man.  Pastor Howard was was very dedicated to his calling.  He refused a salary the fist year.  He was a holy ghost spiritual filled man who tried to help everyone.  He believed in giving.  He continued to be a role model and prayer warrior until God called him home.  He also retired from A.D.O.C, the Alabama Department of Corrections.  

He leaves to cherish his memories of love; a dedicated wife Bennie Ruth Parker Howard of 38 years; one son Charles Hardin (Chacha) Howard of Madison, AL; two daughters janee Bynum of Detroit MI; Cecelia (Xavier) Albright of Madison, AL; three brothers Columbus (Sherry) Howard of Newark, NJ, James (Krystean) Howard of Selma, AL, Brady (Julia) Howard of Jones, AL; Three sisters, Sadie McGhee, Lula Walker, Angela Smith all of Jones, AL; brothers-in-law Andrew J. Parker of Selma, AL, Joe L. Parker of Bessemer, AL, Earnest Parker of Selma, AL, Jimmy (Monica) Parker of Millbrook, AL; Sisters-in-law Linda Oakman, Prattville, AL, Rosia (Marshall) Woods, Selma, AL Four grandchildren Jocelyn White, Jaela  Albright, Jace Albright, Josiah Albright, two great-grandchildren Janiyah Sharpe, Timothy Sharpe III.  He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends including a special brother / classmate, childhood friend Samuel Lanier.  he was preceded in death by his daughter Deontrea Rachquel Howard (Cookie), Mother Lillie W. Howard, sisters Shelia Smith, Georgia Howard, Mae Francis Pickett and a special uncle Richard Howard.