Howard Jerry Goolsby, son of Cleo Howard Goolsby and Freddie Ross, lovingly called “Jerry” by family and close friends, was born on August 12, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, at Edyth K Thomas Memorial Hospital.

 He grew up in the city's historical black bottom community and had two younger brothers, Darrell Goolsby and Robert “Bobby” Esters.

Howard's love for sports was evident from a young age. He attended Duffield Middle School and graduated from Miller High School in 1957, where he not only excelled in academics but also on the field. His passion for football and basketball was infectious, and he brought energy and enthusiasm to every game he played.

After high school, he served four years in the United States Navy.  He then served in the US Army, reaching the rank of sergeant, and receiving the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor during his 13 years of service in the 39th Combat Engineer Regiment. Howard was a retired Vietnam War veteran.

On September 9, 1964, Howard married the love of his life, Rowena Dixon. This union was not just a marriage, but a bond that added a stepson, Robert Edward Morris Junior, whom Howard raised as his own and never considered a stepson. Together, Howard and Rowena welcomed two children, a daughter, Carmela Goolsby (Johnson) and Darrell Lee Goolsby Senior. Howard's love and commitment to his family was unwavering, and his children were his pride and joy.

Howard began his professional career in various managerial roles. He found his calling in manufacturing. He started at Clipper International, where he worked for years. Then, he went to Lorro Inc., where he helped expand the business from a tiny building in Southwest Detroit to three manufacturing production facilities across Metro Detroit. He was able to help acquire substantial contracts for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors during his 50-plus-year career. Howard was able to employ hundreds of family members and friends. In addition, he was also a very successful entrepreneur who owned and operated a successful janitorial service, a roofing company, and a road repair and construction business.

In his spare time, Howard loved to bowl, travel the world, watch TV, especially sporting events, spend valuable time with his family, cruise around Belle Isle in his luxury vehicle, and hosting New Year’s Eve parties with his social club members of Port-O-Call. Howard was a very proud and intelligent man. There were very few problems that he couldn't solve. You could always count on him for sound advice, leadership, and support.

Howard leaves to cherish his memory wife Rowena, daughter Carmela (Maurice), son Darrell Sr. (Linda), grandchildren Crystal, Randall (Sierra), Maria (Roberto), Darrell Jr., Ashley, Keisha (Ray), Eric (Danielle), Lindsay, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and close friends.