Howard Francis Gready Jr. was born on March 4, 1945 in Houston, to Vivian Fargerson Gready and Howard Gready Sr.
He passed away on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.
He is survived by his sister, AnneWright; brother, James T. Gready and wife Patti; four nieces: Tracey Madeleine Rice, Jessica Karlsruher (David), Cathleen Fishel (Michael) and Erin Anne Gready; and nieces’ children: Connealy Karlsruher, Duke Karlsruher, Caroline Fishel and Charlotte Fishel.
Howard adored his family which includes
Howard Gready Jr. many cousins.
Howard’s early years were in West University Place and then teen years in Corpus Christi, graduating from W.B. Ray High School where he was a National Merit Finalist. He was a graduate of Rice University, and served in the Navy as E-5, 2nd class Avionics Technician for four years, with one of those years in Vietnam.
He was a lifelong Methodist and was a member and trustee of Freyburg Methodist Church near Schulenburg. He loved his church family as well as his Monday Bible study family.
Howard divided his time between homes in Houston and Schulenburg. He and his family had a country place in Fayette County, Texas, since 1951 which was considered “home” to all, and was a major influence in the lives of all the family! There were many fond memories with siblings and cousins there over the years.
Howard was employed at Humble Oil (Exxon) for over 38 years in leading edge computer work. His last four to five years were in business development in Exploration. He never missed a day of work – ever – never took a sick day.
He always remembered pets Ming Toy, Fritzi, and Xanthippe whom he cared for along with his wonderful parents for many faithful years. He started reading at a very early age and never stopped. He read every subject from literature to technology and everything in between. Most people who knew him thought he was the smartest person they had met. His siblings said he was a “walking encyclopedia” but Howard always contended that he could learn from anyone – and he did. He learned from and saw the good in each person he met.
His was a generous spirit – always available for help of any kind, and giving many gifts to friends and family.
Howard is in Heaven with his Lord and Savior. He would wish that any memorial donations be made to Freyburg Methodist Church, PO Box 43, Schulenburg TX 78956.