Jesse “Howard” Searcy

Jesse “Howard” Searcy, 89, of Morganton, NC, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022.  Born in Rutherford County, NC on September 27, 1932, he was son of the late Jesse Phillip Searcy and Gertrude Atchley Searcy.  Jessie was a staunch member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent.  He was also instrumental in the procurement and management of the Multipurpose Activity Center.  Jessie was a US Navy veteran of the Korean War, during which he met his wife.  He retired after working for thirty-two years at Southern Bell and AT&T.

Howard was as passionate as they come and loved serving his community.  He volunteered for over fifty years with the Boy Scouts of America, dropping everything some summers to drive a van out to New Mexico.  Generations of Oak Hill boys have wonderful memories of Howard driving them across the country in his trusty Ernestine.  He was a longtime member of the Oak Hill Ruritan. Howard served on multiple boards, including the Telco Credit Union and the Burke County Fair Groups.  He also served as the Burke County Commissioner, a post for which he was extremely proud.

Mr. Searcy loved gardening (we will miss his pickled okra) and traveling, but most of all he loved his family who thought the world of him.  Howard was adventurous throughout his life, and continued to travel and experience the world well into his twilight.  He is held in the highest regard by everyone who knew him.  Howard made an amazing, lasting mark on the world and is already dearly missed.

Howard is survived by his loving family including his wife, Ruby, JoAnn McNeely Searcy; children, Dean Searcy (Anita), Bryan Searcy (Annette), and Chad Searcy (Meredith); grandchildren, Jesse (Carla), Carson, Mason, (Stephanie) Katy Ann, Gabriel, Jacob, and Isaac; great-grandchildren, Elena and Eva; brothers, Worth Searcy (Pauline) and Phillip Searcy, Jr.; sisters, Martha Holden, Carolyn Teno (John), Myra Moore (Roger); and an abundance of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his step-mother, Annie Sue Hill Searcy.

The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Oak Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Paul McClure officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the US Navy.  The family will greet friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Searcy Scholarship Fund at Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 2239 NC 181, Morganton, NC 28655, Boy Scout Troop 199, or to Carolina Caring.

Howard’s family is especially grateful to Carolina Caring and Grace Team Caregivers for the loving care they gave Howard at the end of his life.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.