Christopher “Chris” N. “Maddog” Howard, Sr., 55, of Bolivia, NC, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s “Brunswick House” following a courageous battle with cancer.

Chris was born in Wilmington, NC, on February 20, 1971, and was one of three children born to James Fox Howard, Jr. and Hallie Maurice Ferrell Howard. Chris was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Morris and Magdalene Ferrell, and his paternal grandparents, James F. Howard, Sr. and Vera Howard.

Chris, affectionately known by many as “Maddog,” was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a man who was deeply loved by his family and cherished by the many people whose lives he touched. Chris had a creative spirit and a passion for graphic design. He was the proud owner and operator of Innovative Ideas, where he was able to share his creativity and talents with others. Above all, Chris treasured his family and the time he spent with the people he loved. His memory will live on through his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched throughout his journey.

Surviving are his loving wife, Jennifer Howard; his parents, James Fox “Foxy” Howard, Jr. and Reece Howard; his children,McKenzie Plempel (Kaytlin), Christopher Howard, Jr., Landon Gittman, and Ashlyn Gittman; two brothers, James Michael “Mike” Howard (Heather) and Jeffrey “Jeff” Howard; nieces and nephews, Acacia Howard, Kye Howard (Cayli), Olivia Howard, Will Howard (Chris’s little buddy), Jesseca Howard, Lauren Howard, and Blair Howard; his best friend, “Hager”; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends too numerous to mention.

A celebration of life service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Southport Baptist Church. Inurnment will follow at Northwood Cemetery.

The family will have a time of visitation at 10:00 AM, one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Chris’s memory to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401, or through www.lifecare.org.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt and special thank you to the entire team at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, especially the Palliative Care Team, Home Hospice Team and the staff of Brunswick Hospice House, for the exceptional compassion, care, and support they provided to Chris and his family throughout this difficult journey. Their kindness and dedication will never be forgotten.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service