Howard Samuel Baccus

     Howard Samuel Baccus, 67, departed this life on Saturday, October 7, 2023. 

     Howard was born to his Father, Samuel Moses Baccus and mother, Tempie Rebecca Freeman Baccus on July 4, 1956. He worked as a general contractor and skilled tradesman and lived for the passion of his family and grandchildren.  

     Howard was born in Dayton, Ohio and as a young child Howard’s family eventually moved to Cleveland County, NC. He met his former wife, Emma Baccus at the age of 15 and eventually married in 1980. They welcomed their first child, “Bryon”, their second child, “Tam Tam” and finally, their miracle baby, “Samantha” in 1988. He worked hard to make sure they were taken care of and felt loved every day. 

     As a young man, Howard learned the craft of construction while working with his father in their family business. Later in his adult life, Howard, worked for Duke Energy, but because of layoffs, transitioned to work for J.W. Teddar Construction out of Rutherford County. His passions continued to blossom from working with his hands and the productive nature of networking. He saw accomplishment in building and acquired knowledge of trades including, construction, masonry, landscaping, and general contracting. His interests and talents were vast and varied. Howard was a culinary genius, with an amazing talent of turning few ingredients into entire dinners for the family.  Howard considered himself a Master of the Arts. He was an audiophile, self taught artist, avid reader, history and nature lover, as well as tough trivia opponent. Howard loved to learn and nurture his wit. He even had a hidden talent as a bass guitar player. Howard developed a facscination for music early in life. When his children were young, he introduced them to vinyl records, jazz, and bands such as Earth Wind and Fire, The Whispers, Cameo, and The Isley Brothers. He enjoyed spending his evenings of leisure, relaxing with a good book, spending time outdoors, watching history documentaries, classic tv shows and movies, drawing and listening to music. Howard was an interactive grandparent. You could easily find him on the floor with his children and grandchildren, teaching and executing the latest wrestling moves including cartwheels and even handstands. Upon retirement, Howard continued to use his hands and his body to complete jobs for family and friends when they needed him. 

     Howard wore many titles throughout his life: husband, dad, brother, son, friend, cousin, “favorite nephew”. He was a strong, larger-than-life, loving, and supportive father. His most well-known title, beung “Paw Paw”. Howard was very proud to instill hard work, dedication, focus, spirituality, and the importance of education into his grandchildren and family.  

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Moses Baccus and Tempie Freeman Baccus as well as his brother Johnny Baccus.  

     He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Emma Wilson Baccus, his sisters Betty Ann Watkins (Charlotte, NC), Suwanna Foster (Alexandria, Virginia), and one brother, Samuel Lee Baccus (Maryland) . He leaves to cherish his children, Fletcher Bryon Baccus, Sr (Jovan Baccus) of Forest City, NC, his oldest daughter, Tammy Baccus of Durham, NC, and his youngest daughter, Tempie Samantha Baccus Tate (Charles Tate) of Kings Mountain, NC. Howard is also survived by his grandchildren, Camden Degree, Chance Degree, and Karmen Baccus all of Durham, NC. Fletcher Baccus Jr., and Jalon Baccus of Forest CIty, NC and his youngest grandchild, Samuel Tate of Kings Mountain, NC. Howard lived his life with a special bond with two Uncles, Jimmy Freeman and Carl Freeman, three special Aunts, Rosie Freeman Fuller, Joann Freeman Cherry, and Ellen Bond Freeman. He is survived by a cousin, considered more of a brother, Jimmy Freeman, Jr. of the home.  He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

     A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Green Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.  Receiving friends at 12:30 pm. The service starts at 1:00 pm.