Community Mourns the Passing of Howard Thackston

Charlotte, North Carolina, August 18, 2025

News Summary

Howard Thackston, an influential figure in Charlotte’s community and a dedicated family man, passed away recently at the age of 80. Known for his service, commitment to mentoring, and faith, Thackston’s legacy will be celebrated at a life celebration event later this month. Born in Charleston, he moved to Charlotte, graduated from Garinger High School, served in the Army, and worked in HVAC until retirement. His passing leaves a deep void among family, friends, and those he inspired throughout his life.

Charlotte, North Carolina – Howard Thackston, a notable contributor to his community and a cherished family man, has passed away at the age of 80 on August 7. This date is particularly significant as it was both his mother’s birthday and merely four days after he celebrated his own milestone birthday.

Known for his dedication to service and uplifting those around him, Howard’s life was marked by love for his family and a passionate commitment to mentoring younger generations. His demise has left a void in the hearts of many who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born in 1945 in Charleston, South Carolina, Howard Thackston was the son of a Navy serviceman. Tragically, he lost his father at the tender age of seven. Howard’s upbringing was strongly influenced by his mother and grandfather, who were instrumental in his development, along with the support of his aunts and uncles. His mother worked diligently as a single parent to provide for him and instilled in him values of hard work and generosity.

In 1955, the family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Howard spent the rest of his life. He attended Garinger High School, graduating in 1964. An athlete during his high school years, he excelled in football and wrestling. Following graduation, Howard served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967, a time that contributed significantly to his strong sense of community and discipline.

After his military service, Howard pursued education in the HVAC field, earning an Associate Degree in Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration from Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). He dedicated his career to the HVAC industry and retired as a Mechanical Inspector for Mecklenburg County, contributing to the local infrastructure and quality of life.

For over three decades, Howard was a devoted member of First Baptist Church Charlotte before transitioning to Calvary Church, where he remained an active participant for 15 years. His faith was an integral part of his life, guiding his values and actions.

Howard’s life celebration is scheduled to take place on August 23, 2025, at Midwood Baptist Church, the very venue where he married his beloved wife Sharyn 57 years ago. He is survived by his wife, Sharyn; their son Eric (Kim); and grandchildren Avery (Natalie), Chandler (Gabby), Bella, Cory, Ariel, along with great-grandchildren Bella, Suheily, Waylon, Myla, Paisley, as well as a soon-to-be-born baby boy. He also leaves behind cherished cousins across North and South Carolina. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation for family and friends will commence at 2:00 PM, followed by the service at 3:00 PM on the day of the celebration. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Missions at Calvary Church, which is located at 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, NC 28226.

Summary of Key Facts

• Born: 1945 in Charleston, SC
• Passed Away: August 7, 2025
• Celebration of Life: August 23, 2025, at Midwood Baptist Church
• Survived by wife Sharyn, son Eric, grandchildren, and more
• Career: Retired Mechanical Inspector for Mecklenburg County
• Service: U.S. Army veteran (1964-1967), involved in local churches

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Additional Resources

• Howard Thackston Obituary
• Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
• Nell Thackston Obituary
• Google Search: Community Service in Charlotte
• Barbara Kendrick Obituary
• Google Scholar: HVAC Industry Education
• Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Army
• Google Search: First Baptist Church Charlotte

Author: HERE Charlotte

The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.