Frank Groves Howard, 73, of Vero Beach, passed away on Jan. 23, 2015, at his home in Vero Beach, from a long time illness.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Betty; son Frank Howard, Jr. (Marisa) of Dallas, Texas; step-sons Boyce Hundley and companion Tess, of North Tahoe, Calif., and Scott Currie (Jewell) of Louisville, Kent.; and six grandchildren: Daniela, Elina Grace, Bryn Hundley of California, and Taylor, Madison, Katie Currie of Louisville.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Jeannie Huff of Atlanta, Ga.
Howard was born Dec. 30, 1941, in Atlanta, Ga., the son of the late Alfred and Lucille Howard. He served in the Air Force Reserves and became a resident of Vero Beach 44 years ago to become the Innkeeper of the Holiday Inn Oceanside then went on to become the founder, President & CEO of Howard Enterprises, Inc. which included the McDonalds Restaurants in Stuart and Sebastian. He was also on the Board of Directors for Seacoast Bank and a member of the service organization of the 100 Club in Vero Beach.
Howard was an avid fisherman and boat enthusiast. He enjoyed collecting antique cars and guns. He enjoyed his time looking out on the Indian River Lagoon and spending quality time with his family and his beloved dogs Kaki and Diesel.
He was admired by many in the community and will be greatly missed. His family would like to express their gratitude for all of the expressions of love and support from his many friends during his illness. The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Hospice of Treasure Coast and Indian River Lagoon Restoration. His wishes were for his ashes to be placed in the Indian River. A paddle out and ceremony into the lagoon will be announced at a later date.
Like a dragonfly his spirit soars above the water and sees beyond the mundane into the vastness that is our universe. On online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.