Howard Houston Josey, age 80, formerly of Maiden and Newton went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Fair Haven Home in Bostic, NC. Born December 13, 1929 in Catawba Co., he was the son of the late Willie Eli and Ethel Smith Josey. Howard retired from Lavitt Hosiery Mills after many years as a maintenance engineer. He was a member of Tri-City Baptist Church of Conover and was a veteran of the US Air Force. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Ricky Josey, 4 brothers, Charles, Austin, Walter and Eugene Josey.

He is survived by: Daughters: Judy Josey Hastings and husband Ralph of Conover, Ronda Josey Gantt and husband Dr. Bobby Gantt of Forest City, NC, Daughter-in-law: Martha Josey of Newton, 3 Granddaughters: Dr. Ashley Hurley and Husband Brandon of Asheboro, Amber Rogerson and husband Lance of Wilmington, Alison Gantt of Forest City Grandson, Shane Hastings and wife Jennifer of Conover Great-Grandson; Caleb Hastings of Conover Great-Granddaughter: Hannah Hastings of Conover 2 Step-Granddaughters: Amy VanSickle and Julie Newcomb and husband Don, both of KS; 3 Step Great-granddaughters and a Step Great-grandson, all of KS; 2 Brothers: Clyde Josey and Billy Hannon both of Maiden; 2 Sisters: Mary Jane Hefner and husband George and Martha Sue Poarch, both of Lincolnton, Ex-wife: Dorothy Josey of Maiden

The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Burke Mortuary Chapel in Newton with Rev. Byron Repass officiating.

Burial will follow in Mt. Ruhama Baptist Church Cemetery in Maiden with military honors by American Legion Post 16 of Newton.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 2:00- 2:45 p.m. at Burke Mortuary in Newton, prior to the service.