Howard Lee Abrams, 81, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2018 at Scott & White Hospital in College Station after an extended illness.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Lee Abrams, who died on January 11, 2013 at the age of 72.
Howard leaves behind a sister, Judy Helfman; three children: Linda Beth Hammett, Michael David Abrams, and Lesley Sharon Henton; five grandchildren; one great grandchild; many extended family members and good friends.
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, the son of Samuel and Lillian Abrams, Howard had been a resident of College Station since 2009.
Howard and his wife Sandra (Sandy) were high-school sweethearts at Sullivan High School, just outside Chicago. They married on July 4, 1957.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois-Champaign and subsequently, a law degree. Howard joined the Navy, where he became a Lieutenant (junior grade).
He left active duty after three years of service but, continued his Naval career as a special agent for the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) – known today as NCIS.
After several relocations, from East to West Coast, Howard spent the remainder of his career in San Diego, Ca.
He retired from NIS in 1987 after a distinguished career, during which he received numerous honors and distinctions.
Howard stayed busy after his “first” retirement; he joined the San Diego City Attorney’s Office as a consumer fraud investigator and was a partner in a private detective agency.
To the endless delight of his family members, Howard even dabbled in acting – appearing in bit roles in several films and television shows.
Upon the start of his failing health in 2008, Howard and Sandy moved to College Station to join their daughters and grandchildren.
Howard spent his remaining years in the company of his loving family.
A private burial service will be held Thursday.