William C Howard

William "Sonny" Cassell Howard was born on October 13. 1936, in Huntington, West Virginia. His parents were Sue and Cassell Howard. He was the youngest of five children born to the family. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. The family moved from Huntington, West Virginia, to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1943 to pursue better opportunities for their family. Sonny attended and completed his schooling in Cleveland, graduating from Thomas Edison Trade School. 

After high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served a term of 4 years of active duty. After an Honorable Discharge from the USAF, he returned to Cleveland and attended Cuyahoga Community College to further his education. He worked various jobs during his career in Cleveland, but ultimately ended his career with Cuyahoga County, working for 30 years and retiring in 2010. Sonny and Elizabeth Montgomery had a daughter, Renee Montgomery, in 1964. Sonny fell in love with Geraldine Ellington, and they married on October 27th, 1990. They made a life together in the Cleveland Heights community. He was a member of Mt Herman Baptist Church, joining in 1998. He moved his church membership to Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in August 2017. 

Sonny had many passions and interests: A foodie who loved Chili Dogs! He was a music lover and had a great collection of jazz music. He enjoyed daily walks to the Starbucks near his home, where he would sit and talk with friends while enjoying a great cup of coffee. He loved all types of sports, including basketball, football, baseball, tennis, and golf. Pro and college levels, he loved them all! He loved the visits he would receive from family and friends, especially his grandkids! He also enjoyed movies and television shows, especially westerns. 

He is being mourned and remembered by his loving wife, Geraldine Howard; aunt, Clara Thomas; daughters Renee Montgomery, Deborah Johnson; son Thomas (Velvet) Ellington, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, church members, and friends who will all miss him!

A Public Viewing will be held on November 10, 2025, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH.  The Celebration of Life Service will also be at the House Of Peace Funeral Home on November 11, 2025, with a 10:00 AM Wake and 10:30 AM Service. 

We welcome you to provide your thoughts, memories, and pictures on William's tribute wall. To send a flower arrangement in memory of William, please visit our sympathy store.