Class of 1971

Roosevelt “Toonk” Howard is a 1971 graduate of Apex High School and he was an excellent student-athlete. He first attended Apex Consolidated, where he made a name for himself by playing point guard on the basketball team and running track for his freshman and sophomore seasons. During his sophomore basketball season, he was named to the all-tournament team and he was also named All-Conference. At Apex Consolidated, he was not only an athlete, but he also played the drums in the band.

After he transferred to Apex High School for his junior season, he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. At Apex High School he was an All-Tournament and a two-time All-Conference point guard on the basketball team and he was the team’s Most Valuable Player in 1971. During his time at Apex High, as a football player, Roosevelt was a standout running back, defensive back, punt returner, and kickoff returner. He was recognized as the team’s “Most Improved Player” and also as the team’s “Most Valuable Player” which was recognized by the “Golden Helmet Award.” He was a key member in helping the Apex football team win the 1971 Conference Championship and he was also individually recognized as the “Wake County 1-A Player of the Year” in 1971. In track, Roosevelt was unbeaten in the conference in both the 100-yard dash and the one-mile run. Furthermore, he was selected as Apex High School’s “Most Outstanding Male Athlete.

”Roosevelt grew up as a member of Saint Mary’s AME church in Apex. After graduating from Apex High School, Roosevelt started working at Lufkin right here in Apex which changed to Cooper Tools and now Apex Tool Group. He saw the changing of hands for all companies and retired with 50 years of service in December of 2023.  He was also an avid contributor to the United Way during his 50 years of service. He played basketball for the company team in which he led them to three championships in the Raleigh City League. He also coached AAU 16 and under boys basketball and his son and nephew were players on the team that went on to win the National Invitational Championship.

Today Roosevelt is the patriarch of his family with a beautiful wife of 23 years, 5 wonderful children, 10 grandkids, 9 great grandkids and many young men that he has mentored throughout Apex and Raleigh NC that see him as a father figure and Roosevelt is proud to call them sons. Roosevelt says, “God has blessed me to retire, sit back, relax and enjoy my family in my golden years and for that and so much more I am truly grateful.