Tommie Earl Howard Jr

Tommie Earl "Hoghead" Howard, Jr., age 62, of Ethelsville, AL died October 17, 2025 in Louisiana. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ronnie Riffe officiating. Burial will be in Backbone Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be one hour prior and immediately following the service at the funeral home. He was preceded in death by his father, Tommie Earl Howard, Sr.; stepfather, Warren Fleming; grandparents, Houston and Zettie Poole and James and Jessie Howard and father-in-law, Bill Bailey, Survivors include his wife, Wendy Howard; daughters, Tara Howard (Cason) and Devin Funderburk (Micah); son, Matt Guyton (Rachel); mother, Doris Fleming; brother, Troy Howard; sisters, Tammie Larkin (Jay) and Tiffany Howard; seven grandchildren, Morgan Bowman, Addison Gregg, Saddie Rose Fanos, Declan Funderburk, Ava Faith Guyton, Dagen Funderburk and June Guyton; nephew, Luke Wilburn; great-nephews, Colt and Jessie Wilburn (they called him "Candyman"); in-laws, Patricia Bailey, Brian Black, Faron Bailey (Jean), Crystal Vaughn and Wendell Bailey (Cookie) and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins. Born September 10, 1963 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Tommie was a man whose heart and hands built a life filled with love, laughter, and hard work. He was a devoted son who honored his parents through the way he lived-strong, steady, and humble. As a husband, he was faithful and caring, always putting his family first and working tirelessly to provide and protect. As a father, he led by example, teaching his children the value of honesty, respect, and perseverance. His love for his family ran deep, and nothing made him prouder than watching them grow and succeed. Tommie was also a loyal brother and a fun, dependable uncle-the kind you could count on for a helping hand, a good story, or a laugh that could fill a room. Later in life, his greatest joy came from being "Pawpaw." His grandchildren were the light of his world, and he never missed a chance to share a hug, a fishing trip, or a lesson about life and love. They adored him, and his spirit will live on in their hearts and memories forever. A true outdoorsman, Tommie found peace and purpose in nature. Whether he was hunting at dawn, casting a line across a still pond, or sitting around a campfire swapping stories, he felt closest to God beneath an open sky. He had a deep appreciation for the simple things-hard work, good company, and the beauty of a quiet morning. Tommie's hands were rarely idle. He was a hard worker by every definition of the word, known for his dedication, dependability, and pride in a job well done. Those who worked alongside him and the friends he made along the way at Brion Hardin Construction over the last 30 years, admired not only his skill, but his integrity and willingness to help others without hesitation. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness that will never fade. Tommie's life was a testament to what it means to be a good man-one who loved deeply, worked honestly, and lived fully. His family and friends take comfort in knowing that while his earthly journey has ended, his spirit continues to live on in every heart he touched. Pallbearers will be Rick Carrol, Luke Wilburn, Braxton Hardin, Hayden Jeffries, Fred Mims and Mike Montgomery. Honorary Pallbearers are Brion Hardin Construction Company and employees and all of his many hunting and fishing buddies.