Ronnie Caldwell Howard

Augusta, GA – Mr. Ronnie Caldwell Howard, 86, entered into rest on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Ron was born in Augusta, Georgia on July 30, 1938. He graduated from The Academy of Richmond County in 1956. He completed basic U.S. Army training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Ron was a member of the 210th Signal Company (Base Depot). He was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis of 1961 where he served at Tobyhanna Signal Depot in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. After his service in the U.S. Army, Ron resumed his career as a Civilian Federal Service employee at Fort Gordon, Georgia. He served as Chief of the Resource Management Office for the Directorate of Combat Development. He retired after 34 years of Federal service.

Affectionately known as “Papa” by his beloved grandchildren, Ron treasured spending time with them and with family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt. He enjoyed sports, especially The Masters golf tournament and University of Georgia football.

He is survived by his daughters, Rhonda Howard Marschalk (Edward) and Jennifer Howard Barber (Tom); grandchildren, Katherine Marschalk and Braye Barber; sister, Delores Howard Gambrell; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; the mother of his daughters, Joan South Howard; and lifelong family friend, Deidre Gregory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earline Letbetter Howard and Herbert Herman Howard; and brother-in-law, Earl Gambrell.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home (GWVNH) "Blue Goose," Augusta, Georgia, for their compassionate care.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. in the chapel at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors. Interment will follow in West View Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 P.M., at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home (GWVNH) – Augusta at 1101 Fifteenth Street, Augusta, GA 30901-3196. Contact GWVNH Augusta for more details.