Born on July 17, 1928, he was the son of the late Hilton Archie and Margaret Virginia Riner. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Garland E. Riner.

Howard spent his life working for Silk Mill in Orange, Pinkerton security Agency, and retired from Klockner Pentaplast of Gordonsville. He loved gardening, and mostly loved caring for his tomato plants. 

Howard is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ruby Mae Riner; his daughters, Brenda Riner Lawrence and Lori Riner Smith (Jay); his sons, Michael H. Riner (Judy) and Dennis J. Riner (Tracy), all of Gordonsville, Virginia; his brother Tommy Riner of Gordonsville, Virginia; and his sisters, Margaret Thelma Twyman of Gordonsville, Virginia. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dwight Lawrence (Carolita), Brittany L. Herring, Kasey Elliot (Justin), Jordan Blackwell (Angelica), Adam H. Riner (Amber), McKenzie Holley (Josh), and Savannah F. Smith; his great-grandchildren, Noah Lawrence, Nicholas Lawrence, Jaxson Herring, Holland Elliott, Sawyer Elliott, Tori Blackwell, and Freyja Blackwell; and his great-great-grandchild, Brooks Holley. 

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Maplewood Cemetery in Gordonsville, Virginia.