WILMINGTON — Howard Russell Crist, 83, of Wilmington, NC, passed into Paradise after a courageous battle with cancer on August 29, 2024, with his beloved wife, LeAnn S. Baker, by his side. His strong faith comforts his family with the assurance he is with his Savior and is no longer in pain.
Howard was born in Washington, DC, on April 25, 1941, to Ruth Delaney Crist and Walthall R. “Hunsey” Crist. The oldest of seven, he is predeceased by his parents and his brother Kelley R. Crist.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, LeAnn, his daughter Lori M. Crist Oliver (Scott), siblings Judith L. Eisenacher (Rick), Steven W. Crist (Donna), Bonnie J. Hamilton, Peggy A. Hunt (Brad), and Jeannie L. Ritchie. He is also survived by his grandsons Corian R. Carney (Brandy), Russell A. Reed, and great-grandsons, Owen R. Carney and Ian J. Carney, as well as an abundance of precious nieces and nephews.
A 1959 graduate of Wheaton High School, he entered the US Navy as a “boot” in 1961, advancing from Torpedoman’s Mate to Warrant Officer and retiring in 1986 as a Lieutenant Commander. He spent his Navy career on submarines, including the USS Henry Clay, the USS John Adams, and the USS Nathan Hale. After the Silent Service, he embarked on a second career as a corporate pilot, having achieved his private pilot and then instructor licenses and teaching private as well as commercial students. He spent over 18 years flying as the chief pilot for Allied Services with copilot, Scott Charlton, by his side.
He was an amazing husband, father, big brother, grandpa, uncle, shipmate, friend, and fur daddy to feline daughters Monkee and Hailey Crist. He loved “mechanicing,” riding vintage motorcycles, gardening, figure skating, flying, sports, playing chess, reading, collecting, cheating at golf, and making friends wherever he went. He transported for several animal rescues for many years, saving countless pets and helping to connect them with loving homes. His sense of humor, his intelligence, his kindness, his patriotism, his compassion, his integrity, and his genuine love for others will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Fair winds and following seas, “Chris.”
Services will be private.
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