Howard R. Myrick, Sr of Wilmington, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Born on January 1, 1934 in Roanoke Rapids, NC he was the son of the late Walter and Emma (Erwin) Myrick.

Howard attended East Carolina University where he played football for the Pirates. After honorably serving his country in the US Marine Corps, Howard married the late Lillian Grace Saleeby of Wilmington, where they settled and raised two sons. Together they operated The Carpet Center of Wilmington which they founded in 1959. Affectionately known as "Hoot" to family and friends, Howard is fondly remembered for his loyalty, generosity and lightheartedness.

A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Hoot is survived by two sons, Rocky Myrick and his wife Lisa of Wilmington, and Timothy Myrick and his wife Lisa of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren, Emma Grace Myrick and Lilian LaBelle Myrick of Charlotte, NC, and Jeffrey Shayn Brown of Wilmington; one sister, Betty Felts of Greensboro, NC; his adopted daughter, Kimberly Marks Lefler and family of Wrightsville Beach, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Hoot's life will be 1:00 PM, Friday, Jan. 16th, at Victory Christian Fellowship Church, 12646 US Highway 117, Castle Hayne. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Thursday, Jan. 15th at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home.

Please consider a memorial contribution to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home, 315 Willow Woods Drive, Wilmington, NC 28409 794-7171

1PM, Friday, Jan. 16th at Victory Christian Fellowship Church. Visitation from 6-8 Thursday, Jan. 15th at the funeral home.