Howard Walter Shupe

GARNER – Howard Walter Shupe, 93, of BellaRose Nursing Center in Garner passed away October 24, 2024. He was born in Doylestown, PA, and resided in Bucks County, PA through to his high school graduation. In July 1948, he joined the Naval Reserves and was discharged in May 1952. He was on active duty with the United States Army until May 1955 and was a Korean War veteran. From October 1955 to October 1959, he as on active duty with the United States Air Force. During this time, he met Melre Naylor, a student nurse from Highsmith School of Nursing at a social at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, while he was stationed at Fort Bragg. They were married at that church on October 5, 1957. The couple relocated to London, England in 1957, where their first daughter Sara was born in October 1958. They returned to the United States in June of 1959, and, in August of 1960, they welcomed their second daughter: Carol. The family relocated to Garner in June of 1969 to be closer to Mel’s parents and siblings. In January of 1973, he joined the United States Army Reserves and retired in May 1991 with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Howard was passionate about working in his yard, tending to his plants, and doing his best to attract as many birds as possible to feed. He delighted in bird watching, reading about historical events, discussing family history, and playing with his great-grandchildren.

Howard is predeceased by his parents, Alice Michener Shupe and Elmer Mark Shupe, his stepmothers Sara and Grace, and his older brother, Harvey Shupe.

Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Melre Naylor Shupe, daughter, Sara Hauser (Jim), daughter Carol Carlton (Kelly), grandchildren Megan Hauser, Brittany H. Raub (Jeffrey), Christian Hauser, Eric Carlton, and Emily C. Banks (Jonathan), great grandchildren Anderson Birkenmeyer, Parker Raub, and Baby Boy Banks, due January 1, 2025. Howard is also survived by many nieces and nephews, along with a special cousin, Warren Michener.

Howard was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Knightdale and the Senior Men’s Sunday School Class until his health no longer allowed him to attend.

Funeral services are to be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 8400 Poole Road, Knightdale, NC 27545. Burials will follow the service in the church cemetery. A time of visitation and fellowship will be held in the church fellowship hall following the committal.

The service may be livestreamed at the following web link: boxcast.tv/view/howard-shupe-memorial-service-qgnxqonmgrezhgnvdtdv

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions in Howard’s memory may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, www.bethlehemknightdale.com, or Wreaths Across America www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Funeral arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Garner, and condolences may be made to the family at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.