One of Statesboro's most beloved and respected businessmen was remembered by friends Monday as they mourned the passing of Claude Arthur Howard Jr.

Howard, 78, died Monday at his home after a struggle with cancer. He was founder of Howard Lumber and Hardware and retired as president of Claude Howard Lumber Company in 1998.

Friends and peers shared thoughts and memories Monday after learning of Howard's passing.

"We were blessed to go on several cruises with Arthur and Carol," said Ed Ellis, recalling countless trips he and his wife, Johnnie, took with the Howards. "No matter where we went, Arthur always saw the best and finest in everything. We could not have had a better travel companion, and we always had a great time."

Howard graduated from Statesboro High School and attended the University of Georgia before returning home and graduating from Georgia Southern College with a bachelor's degree in business.

He was a charter member of Pittman Park United Methodist Church and its Fellowship Sunday school class.

Bennie Herring said she had known Howard since he was a teenager. 

"He loved Sunday school, and he and his wife were wonderful members of Pittman Park," she said. "Everybody loved him. Everybody thinks the world of him."

Howard was respected and appreciated for what he did for others and was recognized three times by the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Awards program. After first being honored with the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award, he was later presented the Deen Day Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2010, he was chosen as the Statesboro Herald Humanitarian of the Year.

At the time, Kenny Stone introduced Howard. 

"This man's compassion for others is exemplified daily by the acts of kindness and the efforts he makes to help others," he said. "He has traveled hundreds of miles to help rebuild homes for hurricane victims. He has contributed financially and through physical efforts to help many others in need. He is a supporter of the Hospice House, where a room was named in honor of his family.

"He was a very special friend," said local contractor Ellis Wood. "He certainly has been a friend and benefactor to this community in ways most of us will never know."

Raybon Anderson, founder of Bulloch Fertilizer, spoke of his deep respect for Howard as a business associate and friend.

"He was a jewel," he said. "I served on several boards with him, and he was a 'common sense' businessman. He was on the right side of every issue, and we lost a real hero."

One of Howard's closest friends recalled meeting him over 50 years ago. 

"We have a long history of golf, hunting and fishing. He was like a brother to me," Buddy Rabitsch said. "He was outstanding, very generous, concerned and loving friend."

Howard joined his father's business, Claude Howard Lumber, in 1962. His family has a long history dating back to 1898 when his grandfather, also named Arthur Howard, along with seven brothers, began producing lumber in Bulloch County with a portable sawmill. In 1946, his father, Claude Howard, established Claude Howard Lumber Company at its present location on Park Avenue. He became president of the business in 1975. In 1988, he and his brother Cecil founded Howard Lumber and Hardware on Gentilly Road.

Throughout the years, Howard built a reputation as being fair and honest and taking an active and generous interest in the community. He was a member of a great many organizations and was known for treating everyone, especially his employees, like family.

"He was a good friend to all of us," said Donald NeSmith. "He was a real leader, a good man, and we're going to miss him. This is a great loss for the community."

David Bobo was visibly emotional as he spoke of his longtime friend.

"He was real," he said. "R.E.A.L. Nothing artificial. He loved this community and did everything to make it a better place."

Buddy Powell said, "He meant the world to me. He is a dear friend that can't be replaced." 

He, too, said he has countless memories of fishing and hunting with Howard, often at Howard's farm and preserve, Scarborough Bluff Plantation in Jenkins County. 

"He was a dear, dear friend."

Howard served on boards of directors for the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturing Association, First Bulloch Bank and Trust, the Georgia Southern Foundation, Joseph's Home for Boys, the Hospital Authority of Bulloch County (seven years as chairman), Bulloch Academy, Savannah Sales Company, the Statesboro-Bulloch County Development Authority, Forest Heights Country Club and Ogeechee Area Hospice.

He was also a past member of the Statesboro Jaycees, Elks' Lodge and Statesboro Rotary Club.

Always recognized for his dedication and concern for others, he never sought the spotlight, according to his friends. 

"He didn't tell or let on what he and his wife did," Herring said. 

NeSmith agreed. 

"He did a lot that people didn't know he did," he said.

Howard "never wanted to be in the limelight," Anderson said. "But he probably did as much for the community as anyone I know." 

Bobo said, "He loved this community and did everything he knew how to make it a better place."

But on many occasions, people insisted on giving thanks and showing appreciation for what Howard did for so many. In 1988, he was named the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year, and in 1996, he was named the Statesboro Business Leader of the Year. 

At Georgia Southern University, he was an important part of establishing the golf practice facility and built the Howard House, used by the GSU golf team. He also founded the Claude A. Howard Scholarship for Building and Construction.

Howard loved the outdoors, the Ogeechee River, and being with his hunting club.

Married to wife Carol for 56 years, they have two sons, Claude Arthur Howard III and William Cecil (Bill) Howard. They have five grandchildren and a great-grandchild as well.

Visitation will be Tuesday at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro from 3–6 p.m., with the funeral service Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Pittman Park United Methodist Church. Dr. William Oliver will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Bill Bagwell. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be at Scarborough Bluff Plantation family cemetery.

Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.