Howard Lee Stultz

Howard Lee Stultz, Sr., 90, died in hospice care at UNC Rockingham Nursing Center on June 1 in Eden, NC.

He was born in Norlina to the late George Orin Stultz, Sr. and Hyla Paschall Stultz. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Stephenson Stultz.

Howard was a 1952 graduate of Norlina High School. After graduating, he attended Wake Forest College where he received a BA degree in music. While in college he was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity, serving one year as President.

He entered the Navy in 1957 and served as a Hospitalman Second Class. He worked as a corpsman and in the sanitation department. Upon his honorable discharge, he was employed first by Warren County and then Johnston County health departments.

In 1971, Howard and Dot returned to Norlina to care for their aging parents. He became the choral music teacher at his Alma mater, Norlina High School. He will be remembered by many as the founder and director of the Blue Wave Chorus. He continued his teaching when Warren County High School was formed and directed the Eagle Chorus. Some of his best and lasting memories were of the many performances and concerts of the choruses until his retirement in 1996.

He was an avid music lover. He enjoyed teaching private piano and organ lessons to many students. He also served as choir director and organist to many churches for a collective 70 years.

Howard was a constant caregiver for many years to both his mother and wife. While at home caring for them, he enjoyed time in his workshop woodworking and refinishing furniture. Many weekends and summers they would spend time camping at Kerr Lake. It was a favorite family activity.

He is survived by his son Lee and wife Kelly, daughter Glenda and husband Bobby, four grand children: Emily, Elizabeth (Adam), Spencer, and Molly(David), and seven great grandchildren: Evan, Avery, Grace, Annaliese, Aubrey, Selah and Abel.

Janis Meek and Butler Newman will conduct the funeral service at Warren Dale Cemetery, Norlina, NC on Saturday, June 8 at 1:00 o’clock.

The family asks that memorials be directed to Warren Dale Cemetery in Norlina. 

Arrangements are by Blaylock Funeral Home in Warrenton.