Leland Palmer Howard, Jr., 78, of Florence, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 19, 2016, after an extended illness. He was a member of Cross Point Church of Christ.

Mr. Howard was born on August 30, 1937 in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in Florence and was a 1955 graduate of Coffee High School. He was a 1960 graduate of The University of Alabama, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. After graduation, Mr. Howard served 3 years active duty as an officer in the United States Navy. Mr. Howard was President and Chief Executive Officer of AmSouth Bank of Florence and Peoples Southern Bank in Clanton, Alabama. During his career, he served as President and Chairman of the Alabama Bankers Association, and was Alabama State Chairman of the American Bankers Association. Mr. Howard served as President of The Florence City Council for 4 years. His civic service also included Lauderdale Industrial Expansion Committee, Vice President of Economic Development Committee for the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Mayor’s Advisory Committee, Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of the Quad Cities, Board of Directors of YMCA of the Shoals, Board of Directors of United Way of the Shoals, President of the Florence Exchange Club, President’s Committee of the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Birmingham Summer Youth Task Force/Camp Birmingham (a program, for the Inner City Youth), Board of Directors of the YMCA of Chilton County, Board of Directors of the American Heart Association in Chilton County of the March Of Dimes Walk of Life, and President of the Clanton Kiwanis Club.

Mr. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Leland Palmer Howard, Sr. and Dessie Gresham Howard of Florence.

Mr. Howard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Miriam Currie Howard; children, Elizabeth Howard Taylor (Tommy) and Bill Howard (Leslie); grandchildren, Caroline Taylor, Frank Taylor, Palmer Howard, and Martha Howard.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 23, 2016, from 10-11 AM at Elkins Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM in the Chapel with Bro. Frank Mills officiating. Their will be a private burial for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Florence Falcons Foundation, P.O. Box 1225, Florence, Alabama 35631, Big Oak Ranch, P.O. Box 507, Springville, Alabama 35146, or Cross Point Church of Christ, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence, Alabama 35630.

Special thanks to Hospice of North Alabama for their kind and compassionate care.

You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com.