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Howard Gilbert Hartsfield

FUNERAL HOME

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home Riggins Road

1737 Riggins Road

Tallahassee, Florida

Howard Hartsfield Obituary

Howard Gilbert Hartsfield Howard Gilbert Hartsfield, 39, died Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2005. He is survived by his wife, Shannon Britton Hartsfield. The service will be at 11 a.m. EDT Friday at First Baptist Church. Gifts in memory of Howard Hartsfield may be contributed to Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607, or call (828) 262-1980. Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel (850- 877-8191) is handling arrangements. A native of Tallahassee, Howard Hartsfield was born Jan. 23, 1966. He graduated from North Florida Christian School in 1983. He graduated in 1987 from Florida State University with a degree in computer science and was selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his master's degree in computer science from the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering in 1989. He was the Tallahassee collection-center coordinator for Operation Christmas Child. His wife, Shannon, is a partner in the Holland & Knight law firm. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church, where he was a lifelong member. He had taught Sunday School in the College Students Department and sang with the church Praise Team. In 1993, Howard was the recipient of a heart transplant. An advocate for organ donations, he spoke of his personal experience before a large congregation in his church in 2001. He enjoyed playing the piano, photography, traveling, sailing and spending time at Alligator Point. He also was proud to be a stay-at-home dad. He was a lifetime member of the Tallahassee Little Theatre. Operation Christmas Child is an international children's charity that collects shoeboxes filled with toys for children in Third World countries. Last year, the local Operation Christmas Child project collected almost 8,000 boxes of toys, which became part of more than seven million collected worldwide. Other survivors include two daughters, Sabrina, age 8, and Arienne, 9 months; his mother, Wanda Hartsfield; two brothers, Julius "Rick" Hartsfield and Hugh Hartsfield; two sisters-in-law, Joy Hartsfield and Robyn Britton; two nieces, Cassidy and Darby Britton; and three in-laws, Annette Hannon Lee and Bob and Anne Britton. He was preceded in death by his father, Julius Hartsfield.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Aug. 18, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Hartsfield

Sponsored by someone who admired Howard.

28 Entries

maria constantinescu

January 5, 2015

howard was a fountain of impeccable insights about caring and sharing memories which we treasure to date.

Shannon Hartsfield Salimone

July 18, 2012

For anyone who may see this guest book, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Howard Hartsfield and Sherry Salimone Memorial Fund at the First Baptist Church of Tallahassee. Gifts should be made out to First Baptist and sent with a note indicating that they're for the memorial for Howard and Sherry that's part of the endowment fund. The address of First Baptist is:
FBC Tallahassee
108 W. College Ave., Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Shannon Hartsfield Salimone

August 16, 2009

Never forgotten.

Shannon Hartsfield

August 16, 2008

Still missing you always.

Shannon Hartsfield

August 6, 2007

Howard -- I can't believe it's been almost two years. I still miss you more than I can say.

Jennifer Glover

October 20, 2005

Shannon, I did not know there was such a thing as this guest book, was told to look up my son Dustin and I found him, his guest book and that you also found the time to express your sympathy for my son. I thank you for this and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as well. I have had the pleasure of knowing Sabrina from Jackson's class for the past two years now and she is truely a genuine treasure with so much compassion for others. Take care and I hope to meet you at Holy Comforter soon. Jennifer

Connie Messer-Kendrick

August 26, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. I went to NFCS with Howard and remember some great times we all had together. We were in class our jr and sr years,we were in chours singings God Praise. I will never forget Howard and his wonderful humor. When we were seniors we made a record for chours I was the one singing Calvary. This song tells the story of Howard in Calvary. For God did it all on Calvary where Howard is. For I know in my heart he is resting and watching down on you Shannon and your girls. I am in constant prayer that you can find strength to go on for your girls need you now more than ever. When you lose something close to you cling to the Lord and family. Shannon even though you may not know me know that I will be praying for you to have peace and strength. God Bless you. Will and Connie Kendrick

Curtis and Robin (Evans) Cooper

August 26, 2005

Dear Shannon,

We are so sorry to hear about Howard's passing. What an honorable husband and father he was. In the weeks and months to come, our prayer is that you will continue to fully rely on God to give you the peace and love that you need during this time. Know that you and your family and being prayed from Miami. Much love, Curtis and Robin

Karen and Geoffrey Caldwell

August 20, 2005

Shannon, Wanda and the girls,

We wanted to share our sympathy with you on this very sad occassion. We did not know Howard well, only meeting once for that wonderful dinner in Princeton years back. Our conservations that night were great and we both felt that we had made a connection with cousin Howard. The miles are far between us but keeping in touch with Wanda has helped us keep in touch with the entire family. We hope that your family and friends are a great support to you in these days and months. We know Howard will always be a presence in your heart and those who knew him well.

with our love,

Geoff and Karen

Diane Payne

August 20, 2005

Shannon,

I'm sure your mother has told you about me. I lost my husband just five months ago, and she has been very supportive as a good friend. My heart breaks at the thought that you have now joined this "club" as unwillingly as I did. Shannon, I am ready to offer you my support anytime you need a shoulder to cry on or just someone to talk to. Ask your mother for the rest of my contact info. It really helps to talk to others who are in the same situation. Call me. Besides, I feel like I know you through her. Your mom has bragged about you and Howard (and I mean that in a good way) since the first day I met her, which was a decade ago. I remember the day Sabrina was born. We aren't total strangers to each other. Call or write. With love and sympathy,

Helen Pinkerton

August 19, 2005

I only spoke with Howard once, and met him and his family once. I know this, Howard's heart transplant was for medical reasons only. The heart of his soul was strong and did not need replacement.

Catherine Caldwell

August 19, 2005

What I know About Howard Hartsfield

He was a man who…

loved to sail his catamaran at the coast;

wanted to cruise to any port at any time;

treasured his time with Shannon and Sabrina at Alligator Point;

remained positive and upbeat even when he knew the cards were stacked against him;

knew all about computers, and then some;

delighted in his role as a father to Sabrina and Arienne;

excelled as an artist in painting and photography;

cherished and loved his wife, Shannon;

attended to his Mom, Wanda;

set the curve of living to the fullest even with a borrowed heart;

raised his daughters, Sabrina and Arienne with a passion for as long as his body would allow;

died too young,

and before we were ready to let him go.

With love, Catherine

Susan Cook Warrner

August 19, 2005

Darlings - I am so sorry that I can't be there to hug you all and to be at the service this morning. I know that Howard's spirit is close to you all and will be forever. He was a treasure. I know you lived life as if it were your golden years and they were that. Mom and I were walking with you on this tough day. All our love, Susan and Marge in Oregon

Cindy Mooy

August 19, 2005

I did not know Howard, but I know his mother-in-law, Annette Lee, and one seldom hears of an in-law who always speaks with such high esteem of their child's spouse, as Annette has always done. I feel certain that Annette is grateful that her Shannon and this remarkable young man found each other, and that Shannon and Howard were able to share their lives and two beautiful girls together.

Bless all of you and may you share your love and strength with each other in this difficult time.

Jason Alfaro

August 19, 2005

Shannon,

It was my pleasure to meet you and Howard through my friendship with Hugh. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts are with you and the children, Mrs. Hartsfield and Hugh. May be peace be with you all.

John and Jan Schranz

August 19, 2005

Shannon, Sabrina, and Arienne,

Our family sends our deepest sympathy to you at the passing of Howard. He was always a bright smile at First Baptist and he will be greatly missed by all ages.

We want you to know that if you need anything please contact us, we understand what it is like to loose someone you love and at the time you can not focus on anything. But as time passes you may need a helping hand just call us or send word by Anna.

May God be with you as you grieve for Howard, but always remember he is now in a place of quiet peace and compfort with his Heavenly Father. And know because we are all children of God we will see Howard again.

Love and Prayers,

John, Jan, Anna, Cati, Lisa, Nancy, and Torie Schranz

Marie Bonner

August 19, 2005

My deepest sympathy to Shannon and her family - I will be praying for all of you. Marie Bonner, Jennie's friend.

Nadia Scheffers

August 18, 2005

Shannon,

I was very surprised to hear about Howard. I can still see him with you, the girls with the chocolate dessert at Fresh Market. Marielle wants to hug Sabrina and let her know that she is thinking of her.

Courage!

Nadia Scheffers and Marielle

MICHAEL WHEELER

August 18, 2005

I'D LIKE TO SEND MY RESPECTS TO THE FAMILY I WAS A FRIEND OF HUGH'S FOR MANY YEARS I REMEMBER HOW HOWARD WAS SUCH OUTGOING PERSON I JUST WANT SAY I'M SORRY FOR THE PASSING OF HIM THE FAMILY WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS GOD BLESS EVERYONE THANK'S

Beth Evans

August 18, 2005

Rick & Joy,

You are two of the best friends that anyone could ask for. I pray for God's peace in this difficult time for you both and the entire family. Shannon and the girls are especially in my thoughts and prayers. I worked with Howard a couple of years ago at the drop off center for Operation Christmas Child and you could not help but notice his devotion to the organization that was obviously very dear to his heart. May you all seek comfort from the "Holy Comforter". God Bless You All.

Hyoja "Sue" Lee

August 18, 2005

Shannon:

I am extremely sorry to hear about Howard. I enjoyed seeing him as a Praise Team member and listening to his music. Please know that we pary for you and your daughters.

Doug Barch

August 18, 2005

I do not know if you remember me or not but I worked with Annette Lee at Florida State many years ago. I did not know Howard nor did he know me, but I know loss. My wife and I lost our only son Jonathan just before Christmas last year, he was just 16. To all of you during this darkest time I only wish I could say somehting that would help but there are no words. I am thinking of your families and hope that your collective strength will see you through these times.

Emma Allen

August 18, 2005

Howard is with the Lord, and more alive now than ever. He's just a thought away. May God Bless and Keep you.

Colleen Ruehl

August 18, 2005

Howard was an inspiration to all that knew him.

The love that he shared with his family will be a comfort in days to come.

Please know that you are in my prayers.

Emma Allen

August 18, 2005

Howard is with the Lord and more alive now than ever. He's just a thought away. May God Bless and Keep you.