John "Fred" Howard Jr.

1941 - 2023

The family of John "Fred" Howard, Jr. of Memphis, TN announces his passing on October 17, 2023 at age 82.

Fred was born on September 17, 1941 in Sweetwater, Texas to father John F. Howard, Sr. and mother Sylvia Helen (née Knudson), and was the older brother of Charles Thomas and Timothy Lee.

Fred received his undergraduate degree at Georgia Tech and Masters from Northeastern University. After graduation, Fred settled in Memphis and married Mary Margaret (née Guthrie), whom he met while the couple were members of the Delta Sailing Club. The couple welcomed sons Kevin outside Boston in 1972 and Brian in Memphis in 1975. As a father, Fred enjoyed camping trips & introducing his sons to the budding computer industry.

One focus of Fred's was service. He served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam and earned a bronze star for meritorious service from his significant contributions to educational programs to help the local population become more literate.

After his military service, Fred spent the majority of his professional career as a CPA, working at various accounting firms, lending institutions and businesses throughout the South. Fred met his longtime girlfriend Linda Milbradt upon his return to Memphis, where the couple enjoyed many years together.

His dedication to service continued in the last years of his life when, after being incarcerated for the tragic death of his brother Tim, Fred taught educational courses and helped others to earn their GEDs.

Fred was also an outdoorsman and contributed to wildlife conservation efforts. Please consider exploring or supporting the Ducks Unlimited organization, as that was one to which he contributed as well.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, and will be remembered by sons Kevin (Jennifer) of Sacramento, CA and Brian (Nao) of Portland, OR, girlfriend Linda Milbradt of Memphis, TN, great aunt JoAnn Harry of Odessa, TX, former wife Mary G. Solon of Anthem, AZ, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Private interment has been arranged through Memorial Park Funeral Home in Memphis, TN.