Howard L. Manning, of Covington, died January 22, 2009, at Abbey Hospice, at the age of 86. Son of the late Posey C. and Frances A. Wimmer Manning, he was a member of Lovejoy United Methodist Church, where he volunteered to keep the church and cemetery grounds for over 30 years. He joined the U. S. Marine Corps in 1945, where he served in World War II on Okinawa, ferrying troops and supplies to the beach from supply and troop ships and after WWII, served in China. Mr. Manning retired as concrete construction foreman for Ballinger Paving Co. in Greenville, SC, and after retirement enjoyed gardening and wood working. He was preceded in death by son, Gerald L. Manning and also an infant son.

Survivors include wife, Virginia L. Manning; daughters and sons-in-law, Martha and Jim Hardman of Covington, Lisa and Jerry Harvey of McCalla, AL; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Kay S. Manning of Thompson; grandchildren, Kelli Harvey, Melissa Hardman, Patrick Harvey; sisters and brother-in-law, Lillie Mae Clinginpeel, Mary Jane and Bernice Farmer; brother and sister-in-law, William and Gerri Manning; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Manning will be held Saturday, January 24, 2:00 PM, at Lovejoy United Methodist Church with Rev. Rick Gravitt officiating and interment following in Lovejoy UMC Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, Covington, on Friday January 23, from 6-8 PM. Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Lovejoy United Methodist Church, 12835 Hwy 36, Covington, Georgia, 30014.