Howard Elmer Light

Howard Elmer Light, lifelong resident of Roanoke, died December 8, 2023. He was born February 23, 1935, to Ethel Grace Hardy Light and Carl Wilson Light, the youngest of six sons. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Willard Gordon Light and wife Alice Burroughs Light, Clarence Wilson Light, Carlton Samuel Light and wife Vera Musselwhite Light, Luther Joseph Light and wife Irene DeLong Light, and Auburn Light; his brother-in-law, Thomas Kennedy; his beloved great uncle Otis Mills; and his dearest friends Donald Ray Vaught and Patricia Neal Vaught. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Ann Blackstock Light; daughter Cynthia Leigh Light and fianc Terry Havens, and grandchildren Howard Alexander Daniels and Olivia Leigh Daniels; daughter Jennifer Ann Light McGrath and husband James Henry McGrath IV, and grandsons James Webster McGrath, Henry Duncan McGrath, and Gordon Cormick McGrath; son Howard Robert Light and wife Cielita Martin Light, and grandchildren Samuel Maddox Light and Ella Grace Light; sister Mildred Kathleen Light Kennedy; sisters-in-law Gladys Whorley Light (Clarence), Ann Tabor Light (Auburn); brother-in-law James Bryant Blackstock and wife June Ann Stevens Blackstock; and six lovely nieces and seven wonderful nephews and their families. Howard was a graduate of Jefferson High School, where he excelled at sports and academics and met his future wife, Shirley. He continued his education and athletic pursuits at Roanoke College under the direction of his beloved mentor, coach and professor, Homer Bast. He was co-captain of the Roanoke track team and, as a gifted quarter-miler claimed numerous honors and victories, including at the prestigious Penn Relays. He is enshrined in the Roanoke College Athletic Hall of Fame. He received a masters degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was named the interscholastic intramural athlete of the year. His entire career was spent with Roanoke City Schools, starting with positions as a teacher and coach at his alma mater, Jefferson High, and at Patrick Henry High School where he was head football and track coach. He challenged his students and players to be people of character and achieve excellence in the classroom and in sports competition. He benefited throughout his life from many mentors and, in turn, mentored many others. Howard was highly principled with a deep sense of justice and fairness. He was on the front lines supporting the implementation of racial integration while at Patrick Henry. He moved to administration as assistant principal at Jackson Junior High School. From there, he was promoted to the school systems central administration as supervisor and then director of Health and Physical Education, Athletics, and Drivers Education. In this role, he spearheaded the introduction of sex education into the school curriculum. Howard was active in many pursuits during his life. He was an accomplished woodworker, honing the skills learned in shop class at Jackson Junior High. His buttermilk biscuits and spectacular cakes were the envy of any baker. He loved gardening and canning. He could fix anything with his impressive tool collection. As a young man, he played guitar in a bluegrass band with his brothers and entertained family on Sunday afternoons at their parents home for years. He continued his athletic endeavors after school. For many years, he was the ace pitcher on the Scrappers fast pitch softball team, which one year defeated the then-current world champions. He also served as the commissioner and player in a small, very competitive, no blood, no foul group who played basketball three times a week. He also enjoyed playing tennis. He was a devoted husband, and his love for Shirley endured from high school to the end of his life. In addition to his marriage, his greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren. He was firm, generous and loving. He gave them unselfishly of his time and took great pride and delight in all of their accomplishments as well as supporting them through disappointments. He was a man of deep faith, baptized at Waverly Place Baptist Church, and was a long-time member and deacon at Windsor Hills Baptist and Cave Spring Baptist Churches. He faced his Alzheimers diagnosis and struggles with his typical courage. His family extends their gratitude to the many caregivers who helped him, including the staff at Brandon Oaks. Cremation and final arrangements are being handled by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home. The burial of Howards ashes will take place privately at a later date. Howards family would be honored by any donations to the Roanoke College Track and Field program in Howards memory, https://www.roanoke.edu/give/roanoke_fund/maroon_fund. To leave online condolences to the family, you may visit www.johnmoakey.com. Service Details.