Mr. Howard Bigelow

Reidsville, NC - Mr. Howard Bigelow was a humble man who loved his family unconditionally and cared deeply for those around him. His passing on Friday, February 6, 2026, left his family and loved ones quiet with grief and reflection. In the days that followed, memories of the life he lived and the love he shared began to fill the hearts of those who knew him best. We thank God for his life, his legacy, his service, and the many ways he touched others.

Howard Bigelow was born on October 31, 1938, in Caswell County, North Carolina, to the late John W. Bigelow and Dora B. Bigelow. He lived a life grounded in faith, service, and devotion to family. He was a loving and devoted husband to Gaynell Bigelow and a proud, caring father to his bonus son, Robert McCain, whom he supported and loved wholeheartedly.

Howard’s formative years were spent in Yanceyville, North Carolina, where he attended and graduated from Caswell County Training School in 1957. During his high school years, he played basketball and softball, developing a love for athletics that would later shape his professional career.

After graduating from high school, Howard matriculated to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where he received his Associate Degree in Machinery repairs, afterwards, he volunteered for the US Air Force where he served four years and was honorably discharged. Upon completion of four years of military duty, he again enrolled at North Carolina A&T State Technical University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education, a Master’s Degree in Drivers Education, and later earned his Master of Science Degree in Public School Administration.

After completing his college experience, he was employed as a Physical Education Instructor, Math Teacher, and Coach in the Western Rockingham County School System before being promoted to the position of Principal at Stone Middle School in Stoneville, N.C. Later, he was employed as Principal of New Vision Middle School in Madison, North Carolina; a position in which he served faithfully until his retirement. He was an excellent role model. His knowledge, his wisdom, and his leadership served as an inspiration to countless numbers of people within the school community and beyond. He is revered by former students for his dedicated mentoring, outgoing caring personality, and infectious smile.

Throughout the years, Howard was known as a man who was always willing to help those in need. He valued relationships and believed in showing kindness through action. His love for family and friends was evident in the way he gave his time, his guidance, and his quiet support. Many were blessed by his steady presence and caring heart. Howard was elected as Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year for Rockingham County Schools. He was a former Paul Harris Fellow. His professional organization memberships include:  Silver life member of NAACP, North Carolina Association of Educators, Rockingham Country Association of Retired School Personnel, and a member of Saint John’s Masonic Lodge No 12 Free & Accepted Masons P.H.A, Greensboro, North Carolina. He was past president of Madison/Mayodan Rotary Club. Howard was an avid golfer as evidenced by his membership in the North Carolina/Virgina Seniors Golf Club. Howard was also a dedicated and active member of Mineral Springs Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee.

He enjoyed many aspects of life but found much gratification and exhibited much pride as a lifelong supporter of North Carolina A&T State University. His love for the university was a constant source of joy in his life. He attended football games, faithfully tailgated with friends, and cherished the fellowship that came with those traditions. He was especially known for having a special reserved tailgating spot, his reserved seat in the stadium, and for his unwavering Aggie pride.

Howard Bigelow was deeply loved, tremendously respected, and greatly admired by those who knew him. His life was a testament to service, faith, and love for family. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his influence and exemplary character will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, John W. Bigelow and Dora B. Bigelow; one brother, John T. Bigelow; and two sisters, Vera R. Anderson and Gertrude Cooper.

As his presence was felt, so will he be greatly missed and cherished by his devoted wife of 42 years, Gaynell Bigelow; his loving bonus son, Robert McCain, (Kyra McCain), bonus granddaughter Leona Aline McCain, his two sisters, Hazel H. Bigelow, Isadora B. Wills (Bill) of Silver Spring, Maryland; one brother, James Weldon Bigelow of Mount Laurel, New Jersey; four brothers-in-law, Robert Wiley (Jeraldine), Leon Wiley (Babby), Carl Wiley (Angie)  and Ronald Wiley; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, and church family.

“Surely GOODNESS and MERCY shall follow me All the days of my life, and I will Dwell in the house of the Lord  FOREVER.”  (Psalms 23:6)
 

In Lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Mineral Springs Baptist Church Scholarship Fund at:

                                                                   774 Mineral Springs Road

                                                                   Pelham, N.C.  27311

Public viewing for Mr. Howard Bigelow will be on Friday, February 13, 2026; from 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. in the John and Juanita S. Fulton Memorial Chapel of Fulton-Walton Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Public viewing for Mr. Howard Bigelow will be on Friday, February 13, 2026; from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Pelham, NC.

Family Presence will be on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Family visitation viewing for Mr. Howard Bigelow will be on Saturday, February 14, 2026; from 12:30p.m. to 1:00p.m. at Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Pelham, NC.

Funeral Services for Mr. Howard Bigelow will be conducted at 1:00pm, Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Pelham, NC.

Military Honors for Mr. Howard Bigelow will be on at 10:00a.m., Monday, February 16, 2026, at Lakeview Memorial Park in Greensboro, NC.

Interment will follow at 10:15a.m., at Lakeview Memorial Park in Greensboro, NC.

You may view services for Mr. Howard Bigelow virtually by clicking on the following links:

Mr. Howard Bigelow (Viewing)

Mr. Howard Bigelow (Funeral)

Fulton-Walton Funeral Home 219 Dillard School Dr. Yanceyville, NC.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Howard Bigelow, please visit our floral store.