Howard Lee Bostian Jr., 88, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on May 5, 1937, in a log cabin on Linwood Road in Mooresville to the late Howard Lee Bostian Sr. and Helena Ruth Gurley Bostian. He was raised in Davidson, N.C., where he worked along with his dad raising cotton and cows on their farm. Mr. Bostian grew up in Hopewell Baptist Church in Davidson. He was a hardcore Duke Blue Devil basketball fan. He enjoyed working in the yard, going on cruises, traveling with John and Cynthia Bell, and every now and then going to casinos. Mr. Bostian was very wise and full of knowledge. He loved telling stories of his world travels to anyone who would listen. In his younger days, he enjoyed water skiing and windsurfing, being the first to wind surf on Lake Norman. There were many fond memories of beach trips to the Outer Banks. Every trip there was a themed party that never went unrecognized. His greatest joy was spending time with his beloved wife, who referred to him as her knight and shining armor.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his children, Diane B. Welcher, and Howard L. Bostian III; daughter-in-law, Debra Bostian; and brother, Guy Bostian.
He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Rose Flynn Bostian; grandchildren, Danielle Hicks (Cameron), Robby Welcher (Hannah), and Howard Bostian IV; great grandchildren, Chloe Welcher, Gage Welcher, Dantae Davis, Dray Davis, and Knox Welcher; brothers, Bobby Bostian (Barb), and James “Butch” Bostian (Donna); sisters, Louise Belk, and Gail Cantrell (Doug); sisters-in-law, Kiwainia Stogner, Cynthia Bell (John), and Angela Campbell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Monday, March 16, from 5 to 6 p.m. with a service following at 6 p.m. at the Chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. A private burial will be held to honor Mr. Bostian’s wishes.
A special “thank you” to our wonderful neighbors over the years, Dustin and Beth, Doug Perkins, and Pete Rosenkrans.
Flowers will be accepted and memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or https://www.stjude.org/.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Bostian family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.