The North State Journal: “Howard grew up in a blue-collar family where his mom sewed pockets on denim at the old Blue Bell factory in Greensboro and his dad began his career as a sweeper and was promoted to a men’s clothing salesman at the local Belk store. He knew what it meant to have hard-working parents who were respectful and grateful for all that they had, no matter how much or how little that might be. Howard never forgot that. In fact, he was always on the lookout for those in the community who were often not seen or recognized. When he spoke to students at local public schools in his district, he reminded them to thank their teachers, principals and the custodians, that all were equally worthy of praise and admiration. He would remind students that freedom came with a cost. Howard cautioned the young minds before him “to never be casual about freedom; but instead embrace freedom very jealously, very dearly and very warmly because if you become casual about freedom, one day you will wake up and find you are no longer free.”
Born in the community of Alamance in rural southeastern Guilford County, as a student he was considered quick-witted and intelligent, and had a particular love of the game of baseball. He joined the United States Coast Guard after a year attending Appalachian State University, serving for over five years and earning the rank of Captain. He stayed as a reservist for 18 years. He then graduated from Guilford College with a degree in history. Howard earned his law degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He spent 20 years as a practicing attorney. He served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney before winning a term in the N.C. House of Representatives. He then served as Gov. Jim Holshouser’s revenue secretary and returned to the N.C. House for two more terms in 1979.
In 1984, Howard won the 6th District election to Congress against one-term incumbent Robin Britt. In his reelection bid two years later, he won by just 79 votes. From that time forward Howard maintained the seat for over 30 years and remains the longest-serving Republican member of Congress in North Carolina history. “