Howard Sidney Thrift III

Howard passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 27, 2022. He met his Savior the Lord Jesus Christ and all who had preceded him in death as he entered heaven.

Howard was born August 3, 1937, in Houston, Texas to Howard Sidney Thrift, Jr. and Lucille Knighton Thrift. He had 1 brother and 1 sister who preceded him in death.

He grew up in Aransas Pass where he attended High School. He was bestowed the honor of Mr. Personality his Senior Year. He participated in sports – swimming, football and track. He was proud of his swim team and would brag that he almost made it to the Olympics. After High School, he attended the University of Houston.

Howard married Alys Louise Patrick on October 18, 1958, in Houston, Texas. They had three daughters, twins Lisa Thrift Mobley and Lori Thrift Lake and Julie Thrift Rodgers.

Howard began his working career with Metallic Building Company in Houston working as an engineer in manufactured metal buildings. He and his family were very active at Westbury Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.

He spent many hours fishing at Lake Conroe or hunting with his father and brother in Colorado or West Texas. The house was filled with his many trophies.

Howard and Alys moved to Austin in 1983 where he worked for a Construction Company and then finished his career with Valic Insurance Company.

After Alys passed away, Howard remarried Sandra Burchfield in March 9, 1996, in Austin, Texas.

They enjoyed traveling many places around the world and spending time with friends and family. They were involved in many churches together in Austin and Sugar Hill area.

Howard always had a green thumb and could grow anything. He had many plants and flowers that he was proud of and his yard always looked so beautiful year round.

Howard is survived by his wife, Sandy Thrift, Sugar Hill, Georgia; Daughters Lisa Mobley, Frisco, Tx, Lori Lake, Houston, TX and Julie Rodgers, Austin, TX; Stepsons Jim Burchfield, Atlanta, GA, Joe Burchfield, Atlanta, GA; Stepdaughter Suzzanne Carr, Houston, TX.

He is also survived by numerous sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law and sister-in laws, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.

Howard was most proud of his 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Howard will be remembered as a loving, patient, caring and funny man who loved the Lord with all his heart. He was a great example of a Godly husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him but we look forward to seeing him again one day.   

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:30 on Sunday, December 4, 2022 in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford, GA with Dr. Craig Dale officiating.  Visitation will be held from 2:30 pm. to 3:30 p.m. prior to the Service at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the building fund of Ivy Creek Baptist Church.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.