James "Eddie" Edward Howerton

  Eddie was a 1972 graduate of Gibsonville High School and began working at Hursey’s BBQ, where he learned the value of taking care of customers. Eddie was the owner and operator of Eddie’s Automotive since 1976 in Gibsonville, which became a local coffee and conversation stop for the community. He was a member of Brightwood Chrisitan Church where he sang in the choir and most recently attended Hope River Church. Eddie was a Mason in the Tabasco Lodge # 271 where he served as Past Master. He delivered fruit baskets each year for the lodge at Christmas to senior citizens in the Gibsonville Community and was an active supporter of the Oxford Children’s Home. Eddie was a friend to everyone always taking the time to help someone in need. His family participated in organ donation with Honorbridge, so in death Eddie could continue to help others.

  He is survived by his wife, Debbie Brown-Howerton of the home; step daughters, Cheryl Flinchum and husband, Eddie and Cammie Schroll and husband, Brandon; three step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren; sisters, Mary H. Neese, Patricia “Patsy” Howerton and Nancy H. Spears and a brother, Ret. Lt. Col. John Wilson Howerton; several nieces and nephews and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Margaret “Jeanette” Howerton Brown.

   A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Brightwood Christian Church by Rev. Mark Robertson and Rev. Larry Pope. A graveside service will follow with Masonic Rites conferred by Tabasco Lodge #271. The family will receive friends from 11:45-1:45PM prior to the service at the church and other times at the home.  

   Memorials may be made to the Oxford Orphanage, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565.