Eugene Walter Howard Sr.

Eugene "Gene" Howard, Sr, 91, of Lakeland TN, after struggling with Alzheimer's Disease, left his earthly home and stepped into heaven on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Gene was born and raised in Memphis, TN. He went to Bethel Grove Elementary School and later graduated from Tech High School in 1951. While in high school, he was involved in many organizations such as ROTC, Key Club (teaching leadership through helping others), Young Life Club, and was a cheerleader. In his senior yearbook, Gene quoted one of his favorite verses, Romans 8:28, "All things work for good to them that love the Lord." He also stated his life's ambition was to own a cattle farm. While growing up, Gene would help in one of his father's many business ventures such as a grocery store, restaurant, hardware and furniture store. After he graduated from Tech High School, Gene attended Arkansas State College (now Arkansas State University) where he received a degree in Animal Husbandry. Following college, he joined the US Army and was assigned to Fort Sill in Lawton, OK. There he met his life's mate, Betty Jean Goodman, and they were married in the chapel at the Army base. After his time in the Army, Gene and Betty returned to Memphis, TN to start a family. They had three sons, all born and raised in Memphis. Gene picked up where he left off and began helping his father with his furniture business. At the time, Gene's dad was part owner of the store named J&L Furniture. Once he realized his life's mission, Gene bought the business and renamed it Haven Furniture. He wanted homes to become a place of rest and refuge. At a young age, Gene came to realize that there was more to life than what this world had to offer. He heard about life's Master from a Sunday school teacher. God created him to have a personal relationship through His son, Jesus Christ. Later in life, Gene and his wife joined Bellevue in 1959, and he was baptized there. Gene was passionate to share with others how God changed his life. He spent many years serving on the board of Mid-America Theological Seminary, where future leaders are provided the tools and teaching needed to become ambassadors for Christ. Each Sunday morning at Bellevue, you could find him teaching, first in the student ministry and then down on the floor teaching and loving preschoolers. Gene knew that wherever God placed him it was an opportunity to share the gospel whether it be teaching at the church, receiving people who walked the aisle, going on a mission trip, or talking with people at his job. Not only did Gene serve in Bellevue's children ministry but he served multiple times as Bellevue's Chairman of the Deacons. One of those times as chairman in 1972, he also served on the search committee that called Dr. Adrian Rogers to become pastor at Bellevue. In 2000, God led Gene to close the furniture store. Shortly after, he worked in Ministry Relations at Love Worth Finding, a multi-media ministry founded by Dr. Adrian Rogers, until his final retirement in 2009. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Betty Howard; father, Woodie Eugene Howard; mother, Lucille Elizabeth Howard; sister, Joan Wilson, and granddaughter, Deanna Grace Howard. Gene is survived by his sons; Gene Howard, Jr (Amy) of Santa Rosa, FL; Jeff Howard (Denise) of Lakeland, TN; Glen Howard (Michelle) of Lone Tree, CO; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. We will celebrate Gene's life on Thursday, January 2nd, at Bellevue Baptist Church in the Pollard Chapel, 2000 Appling Rd, Cordova, TN 11:00 AM Visitation 1:00 PM Celebration of Life In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to Bellevue Baptist Church, Mid- America Baptist Theological Seminary, or Love Worth Finding Ministry.