Howard G. Halladay

Howard G. Halladay, 85 of Thomasville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 20th, at Camellia Gardens with family and friends by his side. He was born February 26, 1932 in Meriden, Connecticut. His family moved to Jacksonville Beach, Florida in 1943 where he grew up and nurtured his love of the outdoors, especially the beach and swimming in the ocean. Howard joined the U. S. Navy in 1951 and served as a radio operator. He met the love of his life, Irmandina, (Dina) in Fall River, Massachusetts where they married in 1954. Howard spent his 40 year career working for the Office of Civil & Defense Mobilization (FEMA). He was transferred to Thomasville, Georgia in 1963. Howard was ordained the first deacon of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in 1985 and spent countless hours serving his church family faithfully with great love and devotion. He had a knack for attracting the most beautiful birds in all of Georgia to his backyard. He also enjoyed gardening and loved to share his flowers along with the good news, Smile, God loves you! The family would like to thank Camellia Gardens for their love and care of Dina. Howard considered the staff and residents part of his family where he visited for lunch each day to dine with his wife for the past four years. They would also like to thank Dr. Jason Griffin for his support and exceptional care through the years. Howard is survived by his wife of 62 years whom he loved until his last moment, his daughter Nancy Bradshaw (Jeff) of Melbourne, Florida; son, Joseph Halladay of Pavo, Georgia; granddaughters, Brady Bradshaw (Martin) of Orlando, Florida; Lindsey Buchanan (Eric) of St. Augustine, Florida, and his two great grandchildren, Mary Claire Buchanan and Leo Cearras, the pride of his life. He is also survived by his siblings: Herbert Halladay, Katherine Foy, Edith Singleton, and Giles Halladay. He was preceded in death by his daughter Therese Halladay. The visitation is from 6pm until 8 pm Thursday evening at Allen & Allen Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church on Friday at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/ .