Howard Lee Barnhardt

Burlington

   Howard Lee Barnhardt, 75, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Moses Cone Hospital. He was born in Guilford County on January 20, 1947 to the late Howard C. and Lillie Lee McCormick Barnhardt and was the husband of 39 years to Velma Ree Holt Barnhardt of the home.

   Howard was a longtime member, and former Board member of People’s Memorial Christian Church. After graduating from Western Alamance High School in 1964, he attended the Technical Institute of Alamance and worked in the family business by day and played keyboards in bands by night. In 1967, Howard joined the US Air Force where he developed his skill as a carpenter and builder. He was honorably discharged four years later.

   After some time of corporate employment, Howard started working for himself as a handyman, carpenter, and general contractor. Many knew him, and still remember him, as his business’ namesake “Handy Howard”. He was a visionary builder who could create with hammer, saw and wood anything he could imagine. Always preferring to be outdoors, Howard continued to work into his later years hauling recyclables and mowing yards with his friend Steve.  Howard was a music lover, favoring Motown and beach music. He was well known to be a fantastic dancer, especially skilled in Shag.

   Survivors include his wife, Velma, whom he adored; son, Brad Barnhardt (Jennifer); daughters, Wendy Hamilton (George) and Carol Armstrong; grandchildren, Alyssa and Ashlynn Barnhardt, Christopher Rose, Jeremy Forbis, Kaylynn Reid, Sean and Stan Armstrong; eight great grandchildren; brother, Richard (Gail) and sisters, Ruth Wade (Robert) and Rene Summers (Dana).  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Caskey; brother, Ronnie Barnhardt and a sister, Becky Maddox.

   A private service to celebrate Howard’s life will be held at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Bob Disher.

We encourage you to send condolences and sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com.