CLIFTON "GEORGE" HOWARD

Clifton "George" Howard, 51, of San Angelo left his earthly home, bound for heaven on Monday, October 9, 2006. George was born August 5, 1955 in San Angelo to Charles M. Howard and Leona Ashley Howard. He graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1974. George's career included the State School and later with the prison system; however his true love was Martial Arts, and he spent most of his adult life associated with The Martial Arts Academy. He attained the rank of Grand Master and was a 7th degree black belt Tan Soo Do, and on the Board of Martial Arts Academy. George married Rita Guerrero on December 12, 2005 in San Angelo, TX. George loved life. He was a loving devoted husband, brother, uncle, nephew, godparent, and friend. He found joy and humor in everyday events and family celebrations. We will forever love and celebrate his life and give thanks for the love and the joy he brought to us all. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Survivors include his wife Rita; sisters Betty Gibbs and Doris McLeod; brother Charles Howard; nieces, Cheryl Bricken, Carol Carter, Annette Woods, Charlotte Beakley and Jane Brumley and nephews, Ronald Gibbs, Mark Howard and John McLeod; Aunt Viola Owen extended family; godchildren and friends at the Karate School and his work family. We want to express appreciation to our family physician and dear friend, Dr. Peter Chang for his care of George. Visitation is from 4PM to 6 PM Friday October 13, 2006 at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 14, 2006 at the Robert Massie Riverside Chapel with Brother Milton R. Langston, officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be the Martial Arts Academy's instructors and students. God saw you getting tired, When a cure was not to be. So He wrapped his arms around you, and whispered, "Come home with Me". With tearful eyes we watched you And saw you pass away And though we love you dearly We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard-working hands were put to rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.