George Howard

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

George Howard – Kingsport, TN

George Edward Howard, 77, passed away, Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center.

George was born in Sullivan County, TN on November 20, 1941. He was the son of the late John and Lena (Williams) Howard.

Raised in Gate City, Virginia, George graduated from Gate City High School in 1960. After graduation, he worked for his father, John, and his beloved Uncle, Berry Howard, clerking at the Scott Motel and helping manage the Howard Bros’ rental properties and real estate investments. In 1963, George joined the Virginia National Guard and in 1965 graduated from OCS. He spent 20 years in the guard retiring in 1983 as a Major. In 1980, George became a real estate broker in Virginia and Tennessee, the late 1980’s he became a Virginia-Tennessee real estate appraiser and throughout the eighties up until the mid-1990’s was a landman leasing oil and gas for EREX, AMOCO, and eventually leasing oil and gas as an independent. In 1987, George earned a bachelor’s degree at Tusculum College with a degree in Marketing. Other ventures included property and timber ownership with Russell Logging and ownership in a railroad with Bellamy Manufacturing. Throughout George’s life he had never met a stranger. He was blessed to have many friends in all stages of his life whether being classmates, fellow guardsman, business partners, affiliates, doctors, lawyers, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, outlaws and Indian chiefs.

In addition to his parents, first wife, Gail V. Howard and daughter, Linda Jean Howard preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Howard, Kingsport, TN; son, John Berry Howard and wife, Tiffany, Weber City, VA; step son, David Reeves, Kingsport, TN; grandchildren, John and Caroline Howard; his sister, Linda Burkett, Hiltons, VA; along with several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

It was the wish of George to be cremated, and in keeping with his wishes, the family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the Gate City Funeral Home. A memorial service will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Pastor Wayne Hedrick officiating.

Disposition of his cremains will be in the Zion Cemetery, Baileyton, TN by his family.

A special thank you goes out to George’s primary care physician Dr. Dale Solomon and his staff, all of his medical specialists, the Kingsport dialysis center, NOVA nursing home, Brookdale Assisted Living, and last but not least Melinda Garon for her tireless around the clock care and love.

An online guest register is available for the Howard family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Holston View United Methodist Church daycare, or the Shades of Grace Ministry in Kingsport.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of George Edward Howard.