Howard “Best Dad Ever” Lever

Howard Sherwood Lever “Best Dad Ever” passed away peacefully at home on Easter Sunday, on April 9th, 2023, following extended illness. Howard was born in Columbia, SC on April 19th, 1960, to Elizabeth Sherwood Lever and John William Manderville Lever Sr. He was blessed with his loving wife Rosemary Joy Patrick, whom he married in May of 1987, and four wonderful children; Frances Elizabeth Wooten aka (Boogie) married to (Wesley), Katherine Lever-Poland (Me-Me), Patrick Wilson Lever (Buckshot), and Tiffanie Lynn Lever (‘Queakey) , along with seven adoring grandchildren; Roman Wooten (Raymond), Lennox Wooten (HVAC), Aurelia Wooten (My bff Auri-“o") , Brantley Poland (Randy-Paul), Gatlin Poland (Charlie), Braylin Pearson (Blake), and Madleigh Bradham(Lullaba). He came up with his own names for each of his children/ grandchildren. He was also anxiously anticipating the birth of another granddaughter scheduled to arrive this month. 

Despite not finishing high school at Eau Claire, where he attended, he went on to become a State Licensed mechanical contractor in the late 90’s. He then later founded his own business that successfully operated for over 25 years, which is how he met so many great people that he now calls friend.  

Howard had a charismatic personality that did not meet a stranger. He was trusted by his customers, family, and friends and would often go out of his way to help someone in need. He spent most of his time working to support his family. He was an avid hunter and sportsmen who enjoyed teaching children gun safety and loved to spend quality time with his children outdoors. He was a volunteer with several conservation groups, helping to preserve our natural resources. Howard always liked to say, “I spent my time with my children teaching them how to hunt and fish so that they wouldn’t get lost in this world.” He was proud to be a part of NA where he sponsored multiple people and changed the lives of many. Howard accomplished 38 years of continual years of sobriety. He loved to ride motorcycles and take long trips with close friends. He loved to travel and visited over 30 states and 12 countries.  Howard proudly served in the US Marine Corps.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, children, and grandchildren, along with his sisters Daisy Mixon (William-deceased), Ida Rebekah Fields (Herman), Deborah Langelage (Bennie), and brothers Gerald B Robinette (Diane), Timothy Smith -Rolfe (Bev), as well as numerous nieces and nephews; Cindy-Ann, George (Bo), John, Barbara, Billy, Bobby, Brandy, Bianca, Jerry, Londo, Andy, Yuri and several great nieces and nephews.  

He was blessed with multiple other family members that he is now reunited with in heaven. Brothers; Neal E Smith-Rolfe, Darwood Smith, and John Curtis Lever Sr. (Elizabeth Jean). “My love for my sister Deb’s two boys Alexander and Christopher touched my heart, and my nephew Bobby who our family will always remember.” 

Howard’s last message was, “To my friends along the way, who have staying power... Thanks. My life would have been null without each and everyone of y’all. God has blessed me abundantly in all areas of my life. (Fishing in Montana, Colorado, and the Carolinas. Hunting in the Carolinas, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, and Montana.) “My most important memories were born afield with family and friends.”” 

Services for Howard Sherwood Lever, 62, of 157 Maplewood Drive, Lexington, SC, will be held Monday, April 17th at 1 PM at Moseley’s Funeral Home, 914 Meeting Street, West Columbia, SC. The family will receive family and friends at 12 PM, one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at 3:00 PM at Fort Jackson National Cemetary, 4710 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.  

In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorials be made to NWTF in memory of Howard Lever, in honor of NWTFSC. 770 Augusta Road, Edgefield, SC 29824 or to the South Carolina Waterfowl Association, 9833 Old River Rd, Pinewood, SC 29125. 

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