Charles Howard Obituary
Mr. Charles Edwin “Ed” Howard, age 101, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024. He was married to his loving wife, Dorothy Sellers Howard, for 72 years and they made their home in Murfreesboro, TN. He taught for 33 years in the English Department at Middle Tennessee State University, after receiving his PH.D. from Vanderbilt University.
Mr. Howard was born in Troy, AL on December 3, 1922 to the late Roscoe and Mattie Sullivan Howard. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and was sent to active duty shortly after his marriage to Dorothy on August 6, 1944. Mr. Howard served as a radio operator/gunner on a B-17 and on his 20th mission he went missing in action in Germany and became a POW. He was liberated in 1945 by General Patton and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Mr. Howard filled his life with things he enjoyed; friends, family, painting, gardening, traveling, reading, working with the Murfreesboro Little Theatre, both acting and directing, and being a mentor to his students and peers. He is best remembered for his joy of laughter.
Mr. Howard is survived by his cherished daughter, Jennifer Howard Murphy; grandchildren, Zoe Campagna Bosworth, Asia Campagna Payne, Kesa Campagna, Kristopher Murphy, and Kathleen Murphy; as well as four great-grandchildren, Cooper and Riley Payne, and Lauren and Charley Campagna. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his daughter, Debra Howard Campagna; and his siblings, Ralph and Herbert Howard, and Helen Howard Lake.
Visitation with the family will be Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 10:30am until 12:00noon at First United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 12:00noon at First United Methodist Church.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Alive Hospice in memory of Mr. Howard.
An online guestbook is available for the family at www.woodfinchapel.com. Woodfin Memorial Chapel (615) 893-5151.
