Dates
Roland Worth Howard, II, 78, left his earthly home Saturday, May 23, 2026. He was born to Roland Worth “Blackie” Howard, Sr. and Lena Elizabeth Valenti Howard on September 1, 1947 in San Angelo, TX where he would live his entire life. His younger sister, Kathy, was born in March of 1951. We enjoyed many stories about his childhood in the Belaire neighborhood. One of Roland’s favorite activities, while growing up, was spending time with his sister and cousins on the Noelke Ranch in Irion County. It was here that their Uncle Elton vowed to teach them “not to want to be a cowboy”.
Roland attended public school in San Angelo, graduating from Central High School in 1965. He enjoyed playing basketball for Edison Jr. High and football for Central. He was also a member of The National Honor Society. After graduating from Central, he attended Angelo State University where he earned his BS in Accounting and his MBA in Public Administration. He remained an ardent supporter of Central and ASU athletics throughout his life.
In 1965, Roland met the love of his life, Cherryl Melanie Taylor, in bookkeeping class. They were married August 18, 1967, in Western Hills Church of Christ. They welcomed their first son, Rick, in November of 1968 and their second son, Jamey, in August of 1971. Roland loved his family fiercely and weekends were devoted to spending time together. His love for sports and his boys led him to coach Gray-Y football and basketball, making him “Coach Howard” to their friends. He also coached soccer when it was new to San Angelo and the San Angelo Soccer Association was in its infancy. When his boys moved into school sponsored sports, he never missed a game.
When he wasn’t on the field coaching or watching a game from the sidelines, he was pulling the family’s Jayco, pop-up camper down the highway from one state park to another. He loved camping and spending time on any river or lake. One of his greatest joys was when he finally found a permanent spot to park the camper. He purchased 2 acres on the Concho River affectionately known as “The Ponderosa”. Roland spent as much time as he could on his little place fishing, running trot lines, and just being outside away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Roland and Cherryl epitomized true love. They were married for 58 years, on their way to 59. It wasn’t always pretty or easy, but it was always “each other”. Together, they demonstrated that good times can follow the bad and that there is great reward in never giving up.
He began his career path by working for the accounting firm of Cherry, Eckert & Story, today known as Eckert & Co. At the age of 24, he was offered the position of Finance Director for San Angelo Independent School District. He held this position until he was offered the same role for Region XV Education Service Center. He stayed with Region XV for a short period of time until he was hired by the City of San Angelo as Finance Director. He held this position until his retirement in 1995.
Roland was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, with most of these years in the Johnson Street congregation. He was a faithful attender when his health would allow and joined online when it wouldn’t. He was sure to take Communion each Sunday regardless of the venue.
He was a member of the San Angelo Kiwanis Club for over 55 years. He served in many capacities within the club, including President. He also served on the Board of Directors for San Angelo Adult Day Care.
Roland was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister. He is survived by his wife, Cherryl and his sons, Rick (Laura) and Jamey. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Reese (Jackie), Kelsey, Hilton, and Hadlee. He was blessed to also have three great grandchildren in Madi, Ethan, and Rowan.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to West Texas Rehab, Meals for the Elderly, or a charity of your choice. Our family would like to thank the nurses and aides of Hospice of San Angelo and all the friends and family that have demonstrated their love and support through this difficult time. There will be a family visitation on Wednesday, May 27th from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Harper Funeral Home. Roland’s funeral service will be Thursday, May 28th at 2:00p.m., also at Harper Funeral Home, with graveside to follow in Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Elders from Johnson Street Church of Christ will serve as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tad Emert, Calvin Featherston, Ronnie Poff, Andy Allen, Don Cox, Scott Houston, Robert Smith, and Phil Bernstein.