Anthony Ray Howard

Anthony Ray Howard died unexpectedly on Monday, July 22, 2024, in Hilliard, Ohio. He was 54 years old.  Anthony is survived by his son, James “Jack” Howard. He is preceded in death by his parents: Nelda Howard and Thomas Ray Howard.

 Anthony was born on October 16, 1969, to Ray and Nelda (Campbell) Howard, in Tennessee. He was a 1987 graduate of Lenoir City High School, in Lenoir City, Tennessee. The first in his family to go to college, he graduated from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with his Bachelor of Arts with Honors in 1990, having completed his degree in less than four years. In 1992, he earned his Master of Public Administration from University of Knoxville, Tennessee. His intelligence shone through as he continued his educational pursuits, having completed all the coursework for his EdD, before deciding to join the workforce. He valued education and continued to obtain various certifications throughout his professional career, including from The Ohio State University, and The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, as well as other institutions and organizations. A lifelong public employee, first with The University of Tennessee, and then with The Ohio State University and the State of Ohio, Anthony prized his work ethic and ability to develop and manage complex public programs. He served on various Boards throughout his life, and was a member of First Community Church, Columbus, Ohio. Anthony enjoyed watching his son grow up, teaching him to fish, pitching baseballs to him in the backyard, and taking him on weekend trips to see all the Ohio State Park lodges. He was a master story-teller and had a way with words – both written and spoken. A true history buff, he enjoyed driving around East Tennessee to view the historic sites, and knew who was buried where, along with stories about their lives.

 A graveside service will be held in Tennessee in the Autumn of 2024.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a special Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/7e4859d5 established by Anthony’s son’s (Jack’s) friends. The funds will help pay for Jack’s college education.