Tommy Howard, Brentwood, TN. Thomas Berry Howard died suddenly at Vanderbilt Hospital on October 19, 2015. As an organ donor, Tommy gave the ultimate gift and was able to save three other lives. Preceded in death by his father, Thomas Berry Howard, Sr. and mother, Juanita P. Howard. He is survived by his loving wife, Marion, whom he spoiled rotten; his stepson, Joey Brett Duncan, whom he loved as his own; brother, William Alan Howard and sister, Elizabeth Payne Burton, both of whom were loved beyond words; his niece, Casey Lauren Howard; nephews, Austin Brode Howard and Adam Alexander Cornett, all of whom were the adored lights in his world; much loved cousins, Edwin and David Pruett, Dr. Frank Trundle (Kathy), Suzanne Felts (Dr. Charles), and last, but perhaps grieving the most, his most precious faithful pound puppy, Daisy. Tommy was born on June 3, 1943 in Chattanooga, but spent most of his life in Nashville. He graduated from Madison High School in 1961. He later graduated from the University of Tennessee, after having worked full time to be able to reach his goal of graduating with a degree in Transportation. Early on in his career, he worked at American Airlines, but spent the next nearly 40 years in the trucking industry in sales and marketing. Tommy was a stand-out at Neely Coble Trucking in Nashville, a job he loved because of the wonderful relationships he made with co-workers and customers. He began a long working relationship with Freightliner/Daimler/SelecTrucks, where he excelled as top salesman in the country for several consecutive years, and where he again made lifelong friends of co-workers and customers. He was currently semi-retired from SelecTruck Fleets, but was nevertheless, top salesman for the U.S. this year. Tommy loved and excelled at tennis and he met Marion on the tennis courts at Maryland Farms in 1986. He later took up golf, and he and Marion spent many, many hours on golf courses around the country. They belonged to Temple Hills Golf and Country Club and he was also a member of the Nashville Senior Men's Association. He loved, struggled with, celebrated and worked hard on his game; his handicap this year was his lowest yet. The relationships he made on the course were deeply important in his life. Tommy was a man of absolute faith, trusting in God to guide him each day and to receive him in Heaven when the time came. He was previously a member of Woodmont Baptist Church, participating in Sunday School classes, bible studies and outreach. He was currently a member of Brentwood United Methodist Church, attending faithfully the Saturday evening services and fulfilling ushering duties with his "back row buddies." He was reading his daily devotional when he was taken ill. The most important thing to remember about Tommy was his loving and giving nature, which was evident in his relationships with his family. He loved and mentored his stepson Joey, and his niece, Casey, and his two nephews, Austin and Adam. He was totally involved in their lives and will be missed beyond measure. He was a compassionate and caring brother to Bill and Betty, and a loving, devoted husband to Marion. There are no words to describe the loss these family members are feeling and will feel in their lives. Please hold his family in your prayers. To honor Tommy's life, a service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 23rd at Brentwood United Methodist Church. His family will greet friends beginning at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow the funeral service at Spring Hill Cemetery in Madison. Honorary Pallbearers are the Temple Hills Membership and Staff, Temple Hills Women's Golf Association, the Saturday Night Worship Service at Brentwood United Methodist Church, and friends and co-workers of Daimler SelecTrucks and Neely Coble. Active Pallbearers are Austin Brode Howard, Adam Alexander Cornett, Casey Lauren Howard, Jeff Levering, Jim Beres, Steve Johnston, Michael Cox, Edwin Pruett, David Pruett, Ronnie Sullivan, Danny Sullivan, and Bobby Phillips. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nashville Rescue Mission, the Nashville Humane Association or 61st Avenue U.M.C. Austin Funeral & Cremation Services 5115 Maryland Way Brentwood, TN 37027 615-377-0775.

Published in Tennessean from Oct. 22 to Oct. 23, 2015