Tommy Almon Howard, 92

Mr. Tommy Almon Howard, age 92, departed this life for his eternal home on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at the Emanuel County Nursing Center. A Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Chapman Funeral Home. Burial followed in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dellwood. Family received friends from 12 p.m. until the time of the service.

Pallbearers were his grandsons, Tripp Howard, Joe Howard, Jay Howard, Ben Howard, Nikolas Headrick, Nathan Headrick, Clark Palmer and Nick Roebuck. Honorary pallbearer was Barry Wilkerson

Born September 4, 1932, in Emanuel County, to the late Hattie Emma and William Jason Howard, Tommy was the sixth of eleven children and remained a lifelong resident of Swainsboro. He lived a quiet and simple life marked by strength, service and devotion to his family and community. Tommy proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. Following his military service, he dedicated 35 years to Orkin Pest Control Company, where he was affectionately known as “The Bug Man” by the many clients he faithfully served.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Tommy found great joy in coaching his sons in Dixie Youth Baseball and the Swainsboro Recreation Department alongside his beloved wife, Betty. He was a faithful member of Calvary Methodist Church, where he especially cherished his involvement with the Men’s Ministry, the Supper Club, and the annual Pumpkin Patch. Tommy also enjoyed the fellowship of his morning and afternoon Coffee Clubs, gathering for years at Franklin Memorial Library, Citizens Bank, and various local restaurants.

Tommy married Betty Ann Fagler in 1954, and together they shared 44 years of marriage until her passing in 1999. They were blessed with three sons, Tony Howard of Swainsboro, Keith Howard (Lillian) of Evans and Scott Howard (Pam) of Swainsboro. Tommy was a proud and loving “Papa” to his grandchildren, Tripp Howard (Wendy) of Seattle, WA, Joe Howard (Connie) of Guyton, Jay Howard (Lauren) of Lyons, Ben Howard (Heather) of Augusta, Allie Palmer (Clark) of Augusta, Lilly Roebuck (Nick) of Augusta, Heather Brunjes (Curt) of Brunswick and Lori Wilkerson (Barry) of Twin City, and great-grandchildren, Sarah Howard, Tommy Howard, Joseph Howard, Tyler Kindle (Erin), Daysia Thrift, Genevieve Howard, Braxton Howard, Hadley Anne Howard, Inman Palmer, Nathan Headrick, Nikolas Headrick, Caden Wilkerson, Michaela Wilkerson, Harley Wilkerson, Marli Brunjes, Thomas Brunjes, Cameron Brunjes, Shepard Brunjes, Lane Howard and Colby Howard. Mr. Howard is preceded in death by his beloved wife; his parents; sisters, Louise Newkirk, Hattie Lee Hudson, Myrtice Tidwell, Barbara Snellgrove and Ruby Prince; brothers, William Howard, Johnny Howard and Edward Howard; and in-laws, Brunell and Garnell Fagler, Randall Fagler, Dorothy Autry and Jean Roberts.

Mr. Howard is survived by two sisters, Martha Anne Martin and Anne Bush; sisters-in-law, Rita Battle (Tommy), Shirley McNeely and Miriam Fagler Hardy; and brother-in-law, Jimmy Roberts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Calvary Methodist Church, 421 South Main Street, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

The family extends sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Emanuel Nursing Home and Pruitt Health Hospice for their compassionate care.

Chapman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.