Howard was born November 11, 1945, the oldest child of the late Lincoln and Jessie Davis. He received his early education in the public schools of Orangeburg, South Carolina, graduating from Wilkinson High School in 1963. He also graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Claflin University in 1968 and a Master of Science Degree in Secondary Counseling from South Carolina State University. While at Claflin, he played basketball for the Mighty CU Panthers under the leadership of Coach William Senior. During his playing days, he was affectionally known as "Juice". His professional experiences were as a health and physical education teacher, boys' basketball coach, assistant principal, and principal in Calhoun County School District for 35 years before retiring in 2005. During his tenure as a coach, he received the Achievement Award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches of the United States (1978-79; 1979-80), and South Carolina Basketball Coach of the Year, Class A (1978). For five years he was employed by Claflin University as a counselor in the Talent Search Program.

He served valiantly in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged. As a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Orangeburg, South Carolina, he served as a Church Council member, trustee, member of the Male Chorus and Vice President of the United Methodist Men.  He is also a member of Epsilon Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Claflin University International Alumni Association (Orangeburg Chapter). For more than 48 years, he was married to the love of his life and partner, the former Theresa Bernice Thompson.

Howard leaves to cherish his fond memories, his wife; brothers, Linton (Hessie), Dr. Leroy (Christine), and Herman; one sister-in-law, Madeline G. Thompson of Florence, South Carolina; three nephews, Ivan(Elena) Davis, Troy (Zee) Benjamin Davis , Leroy Davis, Jr., Esquire (Dr.

Malissa), one niece ,Tonya J. Davis and a host of cousins, grand-nephews, nieces and friends.

Visitation and greeting of family and friends is scheduled from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church. Beginning at 6:30 pm memorial services will be conducted by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Orangeburg Chapter of the Links, Inc.

A special thanks is extended to the Regional Medical Center and to Howard's personal physicians and medical staff.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Claflin University toward the Howard and Theresa Davis Scholarship Fund or to the Trinity United Methodist Church Restoration Project.