Howard Franklin "Mickey" Locklear Jr. died September 9, 2024, unexpectedly, and passed away peacefully in Nederland, Texas at the age of 78.
He was a devoted father, cherished grandfather, and a dear friend to many.
He was born October 27, 1945 in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Howard and Marie Locklear. He spent a large part of his childhood with his grandparents Alex and Beaulah (Rosy) Burns who taught him the values that he possessed and passed on to his children. He lived a life filled with love, laughter, and kindness. He was known for his warm smile, gentle demeanor, and unwavering generosity.
On October 15, 1964, he enlisted into the United States Navy. Upon completion of basic training and "A" school, he was awarded Rate of Aviation Ordinance Mechanic where he served on the USS Bennington aircraft carrier. While on the USS Bennington he conducted three tours to Vietnam. His primary duty was to ensure loading, unloading, and maintenance of aviation weapon systems. On November 9, 1968, he was honorably discharged with a rank of AO3 from active duty. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with (1960) device.
In 1968 he began his career outside of the military in Long Beach, California where he maintained pump jacks and pipelines in the oil and gas industry. That work eventually led him by way of Tow, Texas and North Carolina, to Houston, Texas where he built several large civil/refinery projects until 1982. In 1982, he returned home to Raeford, North Carolina where he eventually began work at Fort Bragg Public Works Department as a civilian federal employee. On May 31, 2013, he retired as a GS11 after more than 28 years of service, where he was respected for his dedication and hard work. He approached every task with diligence and integrity, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of working with him.
In 2022, he moved to Nederland, Texas to be closer to his children. In his free time, he enjoyed working in his yard, golfing, traveling and visiting casinos, finding solace and joy in the simple moments spent with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by his family, extended family and friends. He touched the lives of many and will be remembered fondly for his kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Howard and Marie Locklear; maternal grandparents Alex and Beaulah (Rosy) Burns; brother Kit Locklear; sister Wanda Gail Locklear
He is survived by the love of his life Angela Garvin; daughters Michelle Kieschnick and Alexa Locklear; son Seneca Locklear; stepdaughter Kathryn Foxworthy; son-in-law Thad Kieschnick; daughter-in-law Rachel Locklear; grandchildren Brian Tumlinson (wife Anais), Dalton Locklear (wife Kelsey), Michaela Dube, Kennedy Kieschnick, Saige Kieschnick, Madeleine Fergus; great-grandchildren Benton Tumlinson, Emma Locklear, Mia Tumlinson, Claire Locklear, Aiden Locklear, Ryder Tumlinson.
He was the eldest of eight children. He leaves behind five siblings' brothers Montie Locklear, Nicky Locklear, Alex (Joe) Locklear and Grover (Robbie) Small; sister RoseMary (Buttons) Revels, their spouses, and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 1 p.m. November 9, 2024 at the Lowry Cemetery located at 4046 Oakgrove Church Rd., Pembroke, North Carolina 28372. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his name, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105 or at https://www.stjude.org, an organization he felt strongly about.