JOHNS CREEK, GA — Floyd “Cliff” Hower Jr. of Johns Creek, GA passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012.

All who knew him loved and respected him. Floyd was a man of integrity, faith and character. He was known for his sweet and gentle disposition and constant caring for others. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Floyd was born June 6, 1940, in Newark, N.J. He grew up in Cliffside Park, N.J. In 1964, he received his B.S. in Agricultural Science from Rutgers University. He received an M.A. from Ball State University in 1969 in Guidance and Counseling and his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Higher Education Administration in 1972. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1962-1968. He served as Dean of Students in colleges in N.C., S.C., and Ohio. He was retired from Spartanburg Community College where he was Director of Grants. He was very active in his church, Alpharetta First United Methodist, the Alpharetta Lions Club and the Compassionate Friends Chapter of Marietta, GA. He touched many lives in his work in the church and community. Floyd loved being with his grandchildren, gardening and traveling.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sharon; son Jeffrey Hower (Lourdes); daughter Julie (David) Fischer; three grandchildren, Max, Campbell, and Emily Fischer; and other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Hower; and a sister, Audrey Miller.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church in Alpharetta, GA with a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.jennifersgift.org , the Alpharetta Lions Club, or Alpharetta First United Methodist Church.

Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory has charge of the arrangements.