Howard Francis Renforth, 103, of Jacksonville, FL. began his heavenly journey on Sunday, February 15, 2026.  Visitation will be from 10 to 12, Thursday, February 26 at Arlington Park Funeral Home followed by graveside services at 1:30 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors.

Howard was born on September 22, 1922 in Butler, PA to Rebecca Houston Renforth and Joseph Henry Renforth.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his only sister Jeanne Matonak and his brother Jack Renforth.  Living such a long life, so many others also preceded him, such as his stepdaughter Nancy Andrews along with her daughter Debbie and her son Bud.  Norman Parrow and his son Michael Parrow.  His first wife, Charlotte Grossman Renforth and his second wife Barbara Schofield Renforth.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children Frankie Renforth Parrow, Pamela Renforth Ivey (Dennis) and his stepchildren Julie Schofield Hubbard and Phillip Schofield (Ellen).

Also, all the grands: Chris Parrow (Dawn) and their sons, Landon and Gavin. Jason Alexander (Dana) and their daughter Gabrielle.  Matthew Alexander (Shannon) and their children Jameson, Madison, Colin, Emily and Autumn.  Teresa Andrews (Tivis) and their daughter Tiffany Belanger (Mike) and their two sons, Gabriel and Noah.  Jeanne Andrews and her children Dustin and Jennifer, Charlene Andrews and her children Candy and Clay, Alexandra Hubbard, Amanda Hubbard, Duncan Hubbard, Harry Schofield (Shannon), Sarah Schofield Holmes (Andy) and baby Zara.  Altogether 17 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Howard entered the Navy underage when WWII was underway.  His Mom signed the slip for him.  He was determined to join up and stayed for 30 years.  He came to Jacksonville in the 50s and worked as a Navy recruiter.  His sea duty was on land most of the time.  Going to London, England (where the Renforth family originated) with his family was probably his favorite along with SHAPE Headquarters in Belgium.  He traveled the world and made so many friends everywhere.  After the Navy, he served in the Civil Service for 14 more years until he finally retired.

He enjoyed many things like reading, computers, working for this neighborhood HOA, NASCAR, traveling, Johnny Cash (he met him in England.)  While in England he met the royal family and the Kennedy family when he was honored to represent the USA when England honored JFK with the Runnymede Memorial.  Photo is floating around somewhere!  He had a wonderful sense of humor and, of course, talked like a sailor!

Our family would like to thank the health professionals for their care and concern, especially April who was so devoted.  He had many friends, there are too many to list all of them, but Joe and Renee and Pat stand out.  He wouldn't want anyone to be sad as his life was long, full and happy.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.