Dr. Leroy Joseph Howard

April 13, 1941 - January 25, 2023

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St. Mary's Catholic Church

111 Hampton Ave.

Greenville, SC 29601

Wednesday 2/1, 12:00 pm

Dr. Howard was born on Easter Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina to the late Edward Joseph Howard and Josephine Nasser Howard. He was also preceded in death by his only sibling, Edward Joseph Howard, Jr. Leroy and Eddie lost their father at ages 1 and 8 years, respectively. Eddie was the protector and mentor of his younger brother in their early lives, his fishing buddy, and closest friend. They enjoyed a loving and special bond.

Leroy attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and later graduated from Greenville Senior High School. He graduated from the Citadel with a BS degree in pre-medicine. He did one year of research at Clemson University. He then entered the Medical University of South Carolina, School of Medicine in Charleston and graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree. He did his internship at the former Greenville (SC) General Hospital.

Following internship, he was drafted into service and served as an Army Flight Surgeon in Vietnam in 1969 assigned to the 192nd assault helicopter company. He served his country with honor and pride and was awarded several medals including the Air Medal and Bronze Star. His remaining service was completed at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina.

Following an honorable discharge from the service, he practiced primary care in Greenville, SC for a year and a half before leaving for an Ophthalmology Residency which he completed at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania. He initially practiced in Greer, SC. With a desire to learn new eye surgical procedures, he left for Atlanta, Georgia for a sabbatical with Dr. Jess Lester, a renowned ophthalmic surgeon. He and Dr. Lester shared very similar ideals on patient care and after a few months of training, Dr. Lester invited Dr. Howard to join him in his practice. Dr. Howard practiced with Dr. Lester for another year before returning to Greenville to be closer to home and re-open his practice.

Dr. Howard was a long-standing member in the Greenville County Medical Society, the South Carolina Medical Association, the South Carolina Society of Ophthalmology (in which he served on the Board of Directors two separate terms), and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He was board certified in ophthalmology and was a fellow in the American College of Surgeons.

He was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. However, because of his Lebanese heritage, of which he was proud, he was also a Maronite Catholic, and he frequently attended St. Rafka Maronite Church in Greer, SC.

Dr. Howard is survived by his loving wife Marie Brewer Howard, sons Bryant William Brewer II and wife Arden Ney Brewer of Charlotte, NC and Aaron Thomas Brewer and wife Mary Helen Peacock Brewer of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Also, grandsons Billy, Jimmy, and Frank Brewer of Charlotte, NC and Davis and Joseph Brewer of Mt. Pleasant, SC. He is also survived by numerous cousins and other relatives in Greenville, SC and Scranton, PA including a close cousin, Jim Nasser. Also, a longtime, true friend and Best Man at his wedding, Gene Chow of Brunswick, Georgia.

He enjoyed life to the fullest, and his love for family was profound. He retired after 40 years of ophthalmology practice. Afterwards, he was frequently asked “Do you miss it?”, his answer was always “Just my patients.” He established a close bond to many of his patients and often saw two or three generations of the same family.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Greenville, SC; St. Rafka Maronite Church, Greer, SC; Donate Life SC, Greenville, SC; Greenville Humane Society or charity of one’s choice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial and military honors following in Springwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Poinsett Club beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes

Peter J Ashy and family

Jan Reiter

Ondra Blackwell Hall

Claudette, Andrew, Eli, Aidan & Cooper Miller

Anna and Richard Butler

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St. Mary's Catholic Church

111 Hampton Ave.

Greenville, SC 29601

Map

Wednesday 2/1, 12:00 pm

Leroy Joseph Howard, MD, his earthly journey complete, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 25, 2023. Simultaneously, his spirit proceeded to its Heavenly Father in great anticipation of earning its eternal reward. Dr. Howard was born on Easter Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina to the late Edward Joseph Howard and Josephine NasserContinue Reading

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With loving memory, may you be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

I am shocked and very sorry to hear of Leroy's passing. Dr. Howard cared for my entire family for decades and truly became a good family friend. I was having some eye problems shortly after he had retired, and I remember he told me to meet him over at his old office. He actually reopened the office that day just to give me an eye exam himself. I was really touched by that gesture, which really showed how he cared for others. I live out of state now, and I had talked to Leroy on the phone only a few months back; we had discussed getting lunch together the next time I was in Greenville. I'm truly sad that I will never have that opportunity now. I hope his family is comforted in this time of loss by knowing how many lives Leroy positively touched during his time on Earth.

Dear Marie, I am sorry to hear of Dr Howard’s passing. I was privileged to work with him. He was a dear man. My favorite memory was a picture in his office… a golfer standing at the tree…hitting his head against the tree …. “Frustrated “. Although we all get frustrated in life whether it be with patients or golf or everyday life. He always was calm, cool and collected. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family for the coming days. I also know he loved you and those grandchildren.

Dear Sweet Marie, Arden, Bryant, Mary Helen, Aaron, Billy, Jimmy, Frank, Davis and Joseph, Watching your caring love of Leroy through his last days here is a beautiful, lifetime memory. What a special gift of life was Leroy Howard, M.D., a magical man who could not only help us see, but who could envision the most important aspects of life which one can see only in his heart—as guided by Jesus. He carried forward his St. Mary’s grade school and Citadel training to develop his exceptional God-given skills and love of others throughout his giving life. He lived the powerful Lebanese values of faith, and love of family and country(ies). By his extraordinary ability to see the visible and invisible, he taught us volumes. Tony’s beautiful tribute above is perfect evidence of Leroy’s life so well-lived. Above all, he realized the beauty of the gift of life and soul. Leroy’s daily jokes and smiles, and his beautiful, loving and laughing wife Marie and all the kids and grandkids and loving Howard/Brewer families are a powerful picture we can all forever treasure. Because of his humility, perhaps we cannot see the full impact of this child of God on us, but we know that from his St. Mary’s grade school days to his quiet last breath, he worked tirelessly to help his patients, his mom, his wife and family-- all around him. He blessed us by his actions. Requiescat in pace our dear, beloved friend, Diane and Bryan Hickey

Dear Cousin Marie, My deepest condolences on the passing of Cousin Leroy. He was an incredible man and will be missed very much. I’m so sorry I’m unable to make it down to pay my respects but know that everyone is in my thoughts/prayers at this time. I’ve been reminiscing childhood memories spent with him and Aunt Jo and smile fondly each time I think of them. I know he and Aunt Jo are together now and are smiling down on everyone. Wishing you and your family strength during this tough time but I know that he and Aunt Jo are there in spirit. Sending all of my love. Love, Melanie Nasser

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

So sorry to hear of Dr Howard’s passing. We were patients of his wonderful and caring ophthalmology practice. My late husband, Gerry, had bowled with Leroy many years ago. My condolences to all.

Dearest Marie, Charlie and I send our love and condolences to you and your family. My history with his medical practice began when he arrived in Greer in the early 1970’s. I was in college, and Dr. Lewis Davis recommended Leroy as our family ophthalmologist. My parents were devoted patients for the rest of their lives, and Charlie and I were under his care until he retired. We will always admire his high standards, skill, and kind demeanor. When we last lived in Greenville several years ago, Charlie was so happy to meet up with him on the walking path! We were both very glad for the happiness the two of you shared. We’ll be thinking of you during these tender days; and we’ll always remember this wonderful man. With love, Perrin

I was a patient of Dr. Howard for several decades until he retired. He always gave very thorough examinations and quality care. He really cared about me as his patient. I was very fortunate to have such an excellent ophthalmologist to care for me all those years!

I am so sorry for the loss of Dr. Howard. He was my eye Dr. until his retirement. He was also a good friend. I took care of his mother until her death. Jan Reiter

Marie and the Howard Family: With the passing of Dr. Leroy, we have lost an Outstanding Ophthalmologist and a Magnificent Human Being. My late wife, Patricia and I, have been patients with him for over 40 years until his retirement. It was always a pleasure to see and speak with him at St. Rafka after Mass. May his Soul Rest in Peace. God Bless.

In memory of Dr. Leroy Joseph Howard, Ondra Blackwell Hall lit a candle

We are so sorry for your loss❤️🙏🏻❤️

He was a very nice guy.. he made my aunt very happy. Was a very good grandfather. He will be dearly missed....

Marie: You and Doc have been like family to our family. Doc took care of my Mom (Edmund and Gene's aunt) for many, many years. He was always so kind and understanding knowing she could not communicate very well. After she passed we would see you both at the Woo/Chow fests. You both have been wonderful friends and we are praying the many happy memories you have will provide comfort in the days to come. Sincerely Anna and Richard Butler (Gene's cousin)

WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF OUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS DEATH. HE AND MARIE ARE WONDERFUL PEOPLE. WE WERE PATIENTS OF DR. AND RECEIVED GREAT CARE THRU THE YEARS. BEING FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY WE ENJOYED MANY OUTINGS AND GET TOGETHERS.

Dear Maria and Family myself and my Family sending our prayers and deepest sympathy to the whole family may his soul rest in peace and his memories be eternal

I met Dr. Howard on January 15, 2007, at a time when I was at rock bottom both spiritually and professionally. It was in that season of my life that he and the Lord Jesus Christ were the two that pulled me up out of the mire I was in. When he graciously believed in me enough to have me serve as his technician, it brought a rebirth to my career, for which I'm forever grateful! He expected excellence, thoroughness, honesty, communication, and devotion. His expectations weren't dissociated from his personal application of these pillars of practice. He modeled them day in and day out! He was no hypocrite to the Hippocratic Oath he took; he was the quintessential ophthalmologist! "Doc" was a true Renaissance man! He made life, not just ophthalmology, a classroom for me. The pearls of wisdom and sage advice he gave were priceless! "See One, Do One, Teach One" wasn't just an echo from his residency; it was a lifestyle he lived for the sake of the serious student of ophthalmology. He loved to impart and instruct and was extremely gifted and dedicated to doing so! I never met a man with more true grit! However, his pig-iron toughness wasn't outmatched by his marshmallowy soft heart for those in need! Consistently, I watched him take a different twist to "first, do no harm." If he had to treat a patient and they were too poor to pay, his first concern would be, "How can we make this happen for the patient?" Truth be told, there were times when he was the one who made it happen. Sorry, Doc, those widows whose budgets you meant "no harm" to told on you! Oh, how they loved you! Over lunch conversation, we would at times talk of heaven and eternal life. In my mind right now, I'm sitting at Charlie's BBQ on Pelham Rd., where we often had lunch. I'm also thinking of what the Bible describes as a future "marriage supper of the Lamb." We don't have the menu, but if they're serving cole slaw with BBQ and the two of us are at the table, I know to "drain the slaw" when I make you a plate. :) To Marie and the family, I extend my heartfelt condolences. You were the only queen that could capture the king's heart! You were his bedrock, and he cherished you as he should! The two of you leave a legacy worthy of honor! In Christ’s unfailing love, Tony Sponsler

Marie and family; we are blessed and fortunate to have known Doc. Our prayers and condolences will be with you. God Bless

Dear Marie and family. My deepest condolences and sympathy are with you and your Family during this time. Prayers will continue to be offered on Dr. Howard safe journey to Eternal Life. May Dr. Howard +RIP+ and his Memory be Eternal. God Bless You, Marie and Family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.