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were growing up and leaving home. They weren’t interested in operating the family farms,” he stated in an article published in the Northwest Observer in 2013.

Before serving on the town council, Howerton had retired from Lorillard Tobacco Company and volunteered extensively in the community.

Years ago, when individual schools had their own school boards, he served as chairman of Oak Ridge Elementary’s school board. When those boards later evolved into advisory councils, Howerton served on the advisory council at Northwest High School.

He has been a longtime member of Central Baptist in Oak Ridge, where he was treasurer for 25 years and served as chairman of the finance committee. He has also taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, was involved with the Servant Bible Institute and participated in various other church activities.

Howerton saw many changes in Oak Ridge during his 15 years on the council, and he said he was most proud of the way in which the town developed.

“The development of Oak Ridge has been done in a fashion that makes the town council, all volunteers and the patrons of Oak Ridge proud,” he said in the 2013 article. “Our success can be seen in the number of people wanting to locate and live here.”

The town park is another accomplishment that Howerton highlighted.

“It’s been a great addition to Oak Ridge and fills the needs for people of all ages, from the oldest adult who comes to the walking track to the youngest child who plays on the playground and ball fields,” he said.

After announcing in July 2013 that he would not seek another term on the council, Howerton said, “I feel I’ve given a good part of my better years to the Town of Oak Ridge. As I look back, I’m proud of it.”

At the Sept. 1 council meeting, council member Spencer Sullivan thanked Howerton for being a friend as well as “the one who had the vision for a municipal water system for this town.” While a lot of people helped along the way, Sullivan said it was because of Howerton’s efforts in the town’s earliest years that it was finally in the beginning stages of having a water system.

Councilwoman Martha Pittman said she is amazed at how Howerton continues to be “active and involved and engaged in all matters Oak Ridge,” and added her thanks for his lifetime of service to others and his friendship to her over the last three years.

Longtime town council member Jim Kinneman said after moving to Oak Ridge in 2000 and attending town council meetings, he quickly discovered that Howerton had strong convictions, but kept an open mind.

“I saw there were many times when he felt one way, but after getting the facts and hearing different viewpoints, he would change his mind,” Kinneman said, noting one such time was when the town council was discussing whether to allow smoking in the park.

“I know Roger has a background that you would think he would go one way, and I could tell he was struggling with it,” Kinneman said. “But when he listened to different points of view, he voted to not allow smoking in the park… That impressed me that he was so open to different points of view.”

“I could see Roger’s mind constantly working up there on the council, and until he actually voted, he was thinking about what was the right thing to do,” he added.

“Roger is everywhere,” Councilman George McClellan said. “If you ever want to know about what a public servant is, it is Roger. He shows up at veterans’ events, Heritage Day, and I’ve seen him at Music in the Park.”

To Howerton, he said, “I’ve been a big fan of yours…You’ve been one heck of a role model.”

Schneider said Howerton served the community selflessly during his 15 years on the town council.

“We would not be the town that we are without all of the thought and deliberation that you (Howerton) and other council members put into creating our town park, and creating the building (Town Hall) we’re meeting in tonight,” she said to Howerton. “Not to mention the policies and strategies that have set the stage for every accomplishment that Oak Ridge has had in the past almost 25 years…You’re the epitome of leadership.” Hardwood Waterproof Laminate Vinyl 336.288.6643 336.288.6643

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