Howard Spearman Haralson, of Covington, passed away Feb. 24, 2014, at the age of 96. Spearman, as he was known to most, was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Covington for 66 years. In the 1950s he owned and operated his own grocery store, Haralson’s Grocery, which was located in town between the bus station and Tri City Cleaners. Spearman closed the grocery store in 1972, to join his wife, Grace, in their family business, Haralson Florist. Together they built a business with a reputation for doing more than expected. They went above and beyond to treat their customers like family and often extended credit not knowing for sure if they would receive payment. Spearman closed the flower shop when Grace died, and declined to sell because his customers and their faith in the store could not be entrusted to anyone. In addition to serving his community, he enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, and especially loved growing roses. Spearman was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who cherished his family dearly, and will be greatly missed by his family and an entire community that came to love him. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Grace (Conner) Haralson; and his parents, William Claud and Frances (Brown) Haralson.

Survivors include his sons and daughter-in-law, Dan Haralson of Loganville, Bruce Haralson of Covington, Kent and Allison Haralson of Oxford; grandchildren, Kimberly Malcom, Kelli and Russell Rebholz; great-grandchildren, Blair Rebholz, and Judson Rebholz; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Spearman will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 3134 Floyd St., Covington, with Pastor Adam Cooper officiating, and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m. Feb. 26.

Visit www.caldwellandcowan.com to place online condolences, or call 770-786-7062.