Milton was born " ready ". When Dr. Belle cut his umbilical cord, he literally tried to snatch it back from her. She said, "he was trying to take back his cord," and that should have been our first indication that he was going to be our "strong willed" child. When he was 4 months old, he tried to climb out of the bassinet so Karla and I had to immediately run out the next morning; find a baby bed because he was ready. Once he learned to crawl, evidently that was too boring for him so he stood on to the coffee table and was moving. While playing with him in the kitchen one evening, he just took off walking. Karla came home to find him messing around the house on his own, and he never crawled again. In January 2004, after becoming ill, Karla also stated that she did not feel well. At that time we knew Connor was on his way into the world. I took one look at Milton and said you were not meant to be an only child. He is going to be a big brother and not a baby anymore.

Kimberly was always ready to be a BIG sister, and to help her mom with her brothers. She loved them with all of her heart, she was the drill sergeant and she was going to make sure that they were always safe. Although she is smaller than her brothers, they know that she is in charge!

Milton and Connor were tight, but in true brotherly fashion they fought, but they had each other's back! If one of them hurt they both hurt and no one would touch the Howard brothers! Of the two, Milton was always the one to have to be in control, have the last word, and expected Connor to just follow the program. Now Connor was not always on board, and when that was the case... it was "ON." At the end of the day, Milton and Connor stuck together because they were each other's rock!

When they went to Paw Creek Elementary, We decided it was time for them to become "latch key" kids, meaning come home alone, lock the door, turn on the alarm and wait for us to get home. One day, I wanted to observe the routine. I observed Milton open the door, lock the door, and turn on the alarm. He did this daily without fail, he was always a born leader.

Milton also loved his sports; T-ball, Baseball, Football for a short time wrestling. However, his true love was being a part of The East Mecklenburg High School ROTC Program. He was totally dedicated and thoroughly looked forward to participating in all activities including: The Carrousel Parade, Presenting the Colors to name a few. Milton achieved ribbons in ROTC for the following:

*Distinguished Unit with Merit Award  *Distinguished Unit Award

*Academic Ribbon  *Drill Team Ribbon

*Color Guard Ribbon *Health & Wellness Ribbon

*Recruiting Ribbon * Longevity Ribbon * Patriotic Flag Ribbon

On August 18, 2020, Milton and Andrea (Drea) welcomed to this world, Armani Maior Howard. Armani was Milton's pride and joy! From the moment he laid eyes on him, the love was unconditional. Whenever Armani was around, he was always holding him, feeding him, changing his diaper and playing with him. He was so PROUD to be a daddy, and he took pride in every aspect of his new responsibility. Andrea did not have to worry about a thing, when Milton was around. He stepped into his role and never faltered from his responsibility.

On Milton's last day here on earth, he spent the afternoon with Andrea and Armani.

Milton was scheduled to graduate from East Mecklenburg High School, in June 2021. He had aspirations to attend college, and go into join the U.S. Air Force, with hopes to become a Pilot.

Milton was loved by so many and will be missed immensely. He will forever be remembered for his tenacity, strong-will, and determination.

Milton L. Howard, II is preceded in death by his Paternal Great-Grandparents, Gladie & Sadie Reid, Paternal Grandparents, Clarence William Howard (CW) & Margie C. Howard (Grandma Margie), who both loved Milton with all their heart. Maternal Uncle(s) Clarence W. Howard, Jr. & Uncle Fabian L. Howard, and one cousin Cheeontah Howard.

Milton leaves to cherish fond memories; his parents, Karla R. Martinez, Milton L. Howard, Sr. (Leon Riddick), his son, Armani Maior Howard, Companion/Heart of His Heart Ms. Andrea Chua, Sister Kimberly Nicole Hernandez, Brother Connor De'Leon Howard, Maternal Grandmother Esperanza De'Leon, Aunt(s), Renee H. Morrison (Sam), Cynthia D. Howard and Karen M. Ware (Allen). Uncle(s) Jerald W. Howard and Kevin Howard. Milton leaves behind to cherish his memory, too many cousins and friends to name. He was truly loved.

Special Acknowledgments:

Dr. Laura Pridemoore of Elizabeth Pediatrics

Mrs. Cindy Saunders aka Ms. Cindy

Mrs. Porter, Chris and Mr. C of Salem Baptist Church Summer Camp program

Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Boy Scouts Leaders at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

Mr. Cox with The East Mecklenburg High School ROTC program