Grady Howard

Background

Howard was born in Greer, South Carolina, the son of Narcissus "Cissy" and Davis Milford Howard, who were local agricultural farmers in South Carolina.

Career

Grady Howard was elected first Mayor of Spring Lake during the town’s incorporation in 1951. In April 1951, Howard was appointed mayor of Spring Lake by the General Assembly following the town"s incorporation. He served four more years in two later terms and as a result was nicknamed, “Mr.

Spring Lake”.

He served as the first president of the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce organized in 1962 and for almost 20 years on the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board. He was active in the Spring Lake Lion"s Club and was a past commander of American Legion Post Number. 230 in Spring Lake. He also served as chairman of the Spring Lake Democratic precinct.

Howard held membership in the North Carolina Beekeepers" Association, handling gallberry and gum honey in several farms in Cedar Creek and Harnett County, North Carolina.

The Grady Howard conference room was dedicated on June 24, 1979 at the new Spring Lake Town Hall.

Achievements

• He went on to win a special municipal election and continue to serve for 10 years.