Andrew Howard

He was a man whose quiet brilliance, deep compassion, and unique passions left an indelible mark on each of us. At just 39 years old, it's hard to imagine he had accomplished all he wanted to in this life, yet it wasn’t just his accomplishments that defined him—it was the way he lived, with sincerity, thoughtfulness, and an abiding love for those around him. His intellect was something to behold. He was a man who seemed to know a little about everything and a lot about most things. His brothers openly admit that he was the smartest of all the Howard boys, but he never flaunted it. Instead, he shared his knowledge in subtle, humorous ways that left you inspired rather than intimidated. His quiet sense of humor had a way of catching you off guard and leaving you laughing long after the moment had passed.

He adored his nieces and nephews and had a special gift for making each of them feel seen, heard, and cherished. Andrew gave each of them a drawing of their name (each letter perfectly pertaining to their individual personality). His favorite Christmas tradition was for all 11 of the kids to pile together and snap a picture with Uncle Andrew! He ALWAYS made sure he got that picture. They will carry the memories of his kindness, his wit, and his wisdom with them for the rest of their lives.

His love for nature, especially snakes, was another hallmark of who he was. Many of us might shy away from creatures that slither, but he saw beauty where others saw fear. His fascination with puzzles and Rubik's cubes reminded us to look beyond the surface, to understand the world with curiosity. He found wonder in the overlooked and sought to protect and appreciate the creatures that most of us never stop to consider. His adventurous spirit led him to serve in the Peace Corps in Cambodia—a journey that spoke volumes about his character. He didn’t just want to see the world; he wanted to leave it better than he found it. His time there was a testament to his commitment to service and his deep respect for other cultures. He immersed himself in a life far from home, giving his heart and energy to a cause larger than himself.

Though his time with us feels far too short, his impact was immeasurable. He taught us to think deeply, laugh unexpectedly, love fiercely, and embrace the unique and unexpected. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and love—a legacy that will continue to inspire all of us as we move forward without him.

Andrew is survived by his Mother, Kay Combs and husband Larry, Father, Steve Howard and wife Michele, brothers Cory and his wife Amanda, Brooks and his wife Corkie, and Phillip and his wife Allyx, along with his 11 nieces and nephews.

He will be honored by family and friends in a private ceremony.

In lieu of contributions, Andrew would have liked that each person who reads this seek out the opportunity to perform an act of kindness in his memory.