Jeff “Hoss” Howard, 45, passed away on May 22, 2013 at Duke Medical Center in Durham. Jeff was a Nashville recording artist and songwriter. He made his home in Cullowhee, but also had resided in the Wolftown community in Cherokee for many years. Jeff is a native of Walnut Ridge, Ark. and is the son of Bill Howard Sr. and the late Jennifer Davis Howard Womack of Arkansas.
Jeff proudly served in the United States Army from 1985-91. During his time in the service, he went to basic training at Ft. Jackson. Upon completion he was stationed at Ft. Gordon, Ga. He then moved on to the NATO Shape base in Belgium. Jeff was also stationed in Heidelberg, Germany with the German 2nd Signal. While stationed in Germany, he was deployed to Kuwait with the 39th Signal Battalion in support of Operation Desert Storm. During his deployment Jeff was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal. In 1991, Jeff departed from Shape in Belgium as a highly decorated soldier with an honorable discharge.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Della “Tinker” Bradley Howard and his 3 sons, Elias Howard and wife Nicole of Maryland, Evan and Jared Howard of the home. Also surviving are his brothers; Bill Howard Jr. and wife Jennifer of Missouri and Matthew Womack of Arkansas. Sisters; Emily Womack of Missouri, Angie Roberts and husband Shawn of Arkansas. Three grandchildren; Ewan, Aeriss and Mirela Howard and grandmother, Louise Davis of Arkansas. Jeff also leaves behind many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
Jeff is also survived by his father and mother-in-law, Ray and Darlene Bradley of Cherokee; brother-in-law Ray “Brad” Bradley Jr. and wife Mindy of Bryson City; sister-in-law, Patty Jenkins and husband Johnny of Mississippi, along with nieces and nephews.
Jeff was a member of the Hoss Howard Band and will be greatly missed by his band brothers, cherished fans and valued friends.
A visitation was held at the Wolftown Gym on May 27. A funeral service (Celebration of Life) followed.
Visit “Hoss Howard is all heart” on facebook or Reverbnation.com/hosshoward to post condolences and what Hoss meant to you personally.
Once again, please send any cards to P.O. Box 82, Cullowhee NC, 28723. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the donation page https://www.gofundme.com/2xiaew