Garland “Buster” Stanford Sowards

Garland “Buster” Stanford Sowards December 1, 1924 – August 1, 2015 Garland “Buster” Stanford Sowards, of Wilson, known to friends and family as “Buster”, passed away on Saturday. His funeral will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Joyner’s Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service at the home, 2101 Chelsea Drive. Buster was a loving husband and father, and a friend to everyone he met. He was born in rural southern Ohio. One week after his 17th birthday, on Monday, December 8, 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent the next five years in the Pacific-Australia and the Philippine Islands – participating in active combat in the Battles of Leyte Gulf and the liberation of the Philippines, earning three bronze stars. At the end of WWII, he returned home to Ohio in February of 1946. He wasted no time, and April 5, 1947, he married Patricia England, the love of his life, and they celebrated their 68th anniversary this year. In 1947 – 1948, moved his new wife and his parents to south Florida, and started a construction company. He built houses and commercial buildings throughout south Florida and later expanded to include land development projects on the east coast of central Florida. He was also involved in banking and served on the board of directors for the Bank of Hallandale for many years. He was known as a good and honest businessman. With failing health, Buster and Pat moved to Wilson, closer to family in 2009. Buster was always active, he enjoyed the outdoors and he loved fishing in the Florida Keys. He enjoyed playing pool and tinkering with antique cars. Most of all, he enjoyed giving to others. Buster is survived by his caring wife, Patricia Sowards; his son, Robert Garland Sowards and wife, Lisa Sowards and his daughter, Dawn Sowards Brezina and husband, Edward Brezina, Jr. There are four grandchildren, Paul Brezina and his wife, Jennifer Brezina, Valerie Song and her husband, Henry Song, Daniel Brezina and Stacy Brezina. There are four great-grandchildren, Tyler Song, Caroline Brezina, Will Brezina and Caleb Song. Buster is also survived by his brother, Jake Sowards, Jr. and his wife, Hope Sowards. Buster was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Edgra Sowards, and his sister, Irene Sowards Tillis and her husband, John Tillis.