HOWARD JOHNSTON DAMERON

Howard Johnston Dameron, age 69, husband of Loretta Gail Dameron, died on Monday, March 1, 2021, at home.

Howard was born on July 25, 1951, in Lancaster, and was a son of the late Henry Allen Dameron Jr. and Edna Mae Holland Dameron. Howard graduated from Wade Hampton High School Class of 1969 in Greenville. He studied business management and graduated from the University of South Carolina, but anyone that knew him knows that his blood ran orange. Go Clemson! He served his country with pride in the United States Air Force. He spent three years at Shaw Air Force Base and seven years in the Air National Guard. Howard was a member of Bethesda Church of God.  He touched many lives through his work career as well. He spent some of his earlier years working as a disk jockey at different radio stations. More specifically, he was manager for WSSC, where he also hosted "The Uncle Howie Show." Howard then worked as a manager for McDonald’s, where he traveled different cities opening and managing stores. He is probably most remembered for his 17 years spent as general manager at the Ryan’s restaurant in Sumter. He loved his employees and customers so much. Howard taught statistics and radio communications at University of South Carolina and Central Carolina Technical College. He had also, in the last few years, been tutoring and substituting at Wilson Hall school. This truly made his heart happy as he loved being a part of these kids’ lives. He loved teaching them and they were a huge blessing to him. Howard was a devoted husband, father and Papa D. He loved his family, Clemson football, Jimmy Buffett, Stephen King novels and cigars.

Survivors include his wife; his daughter, Amanda Dameron Barham; two stepsons, Dwayne Hardee (Janet) and Jason Hardee (Amanda); and eight grandchildren, Justin Hardee, Clayton Hardee (Kayla), Jay Hardee, Daulton Hardee (Darcy), Mary Beth Hardee, William Hardee, Royce Barham and Amelia Barham; one great-grandchild, Naomi Jane Hardee; and his precious fur babies, Abbie, Allie and Annie.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery. Pastor Al Sims will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Justin Hardee, Clayton Hardee, Jay Hardee, Daulton Hardee, Mary Beth Hardee and William Hardee.

Memorials may be made to The Stand Youth Ministry at Bethesda Church of God, 2730 Broad St., Sumter, SC 29150.

Elmore-Cannon Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.