EASTOVER Mr. Howard Malcolm Piland passed away peacefully early Friday morning, April 1st, 2016, in his residence. He was 74 years old. Howard was a 1958 graduate of Stedman High School, where he was known for his athleticism and intellect. He was a 1963 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Howard served his nation in the National Guard and was employed with the Cumberland County Department of Social Services for over 30 years. He taught Sunday School at Salem United Methodist Church for 40 years.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 3rd, 2016, at 3 pm in Salem United Methodist Church with Rev. David Beck presiding. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3pm in the church sanctuary prior to the service. A private burial will take place at Lafayette Memorial Park after the service.

Howard was preceded in death by his loving father, Clinton Allen Piland and his mother, Eunice Gayle Williams Piland as well as his beloved in-laws Bias Melton Edge and Mary Isabel Nunnery Edge.

Howard treasured his family. He was a steadfast husband, daddy, "grindad" and father in law. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of over 50 years, Sara Edge Piland; daughter Mary Gayle Piland McLamb and husband Christopher McLamb; son, Howard Malcolm Piland Jr. and wife Christy Tell Piland; two grandchildren, Jonathan Piland and Anna Isabella Piland; and brother, Allen Piland and wife Frances.

Howard enjoyed long walks in the woods, fishing, hunting and camping. He was especially happy working in his garden and sharing the harvest of his bounty.

We would like to honor Howard's memory with a quote from James Whitcomb Riley. "I cannot say, and I will not say that he is dead. He is just away. With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand, He has wandered into an unknown land And left us dreaming how very fair It needs must be, since he lingers there. And you—oh you, who the wildest yearn for an old-time step, and the glad return, think of him faring on, as dear in the love of There as the love of Here. Think of him still as the same. I say, He is not dead—he is just away."

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 2165 Middle Road, Eastover, NC 28312.