Ricky Howard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden transition into eternal life of Ricky Howard, a humble servant of God, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, whose legacy of love, integrity, service and kindness will live on in the many lives he touched.

Born in Seville, FL, on March 17, 1960, to the late Deacon Henry Lee Howard and Mother Willie Mae Willis Howard. He is a graduate of Taylor Junior Senior High School, Pierson, FL, class of 1978. Upon completion of high school, Ricky enlisted in the U. S. Army, where he received an honorable discharge and met the love of his life and bride of 39 years.

Ricky began his employment career in various jobs in Nashville, until he landed in the freight industry. He had the honor of serving at Consolidated Freightways, Roadway and YRC where he retired after 28 years of service. He loved serving the Lord, spending time with his family, being outdoors, fishing, gardening, grilling and playing recreational golf.

Ricky was born again and baptized in 1997 and ordained as a deacon in 1998. In 1999, he was a founding member of True Faith Ministries, Nashville, where he received the call of God to minister in the streets of Nashville. He began serving in the unhoused and underprivileged communities by feeding the hungry, providing clothing, visiting the sick, housing strangers and meeting the needs of the widows and orphans. While serving in this calling, he had the honor and privilege of joining with Family Affair Ministries, Inc. and Pastor Glenda Gleaves Sutton in their mission of restoring families and rebuilding communities. In 2009, he led a volunteer bible study at Room in the Inn, Nashville, where he received the call of God to meet the needs of the unhoused community in Nashville. In 2011, he was a founding member of Secure Dwellings Ministries, Inc. In 2013, in the midst of building Secure Dwellings Ministries, he was nominated and selected to become the director of Times of Refreshing Ministries, Inc., Franklin, where he served until God called him to eternal glory. His dedication to God’s Word, deep unwavering faith, commitment to service, and unconditional love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Ricky leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife; La Rhonda Howard, his children; Karrick Leron Howard (Malaika), Kendrick Jarrett Howard (Kelly) and Samuel Elijah Howard, his grandchildren; Jayda Nicole Caldwell and Kole Josiah Howard, sisters; Willie Lene Bentley (Calvin), Ocie Waldon, Florida, sister in law; Winnie Howard, Georgia, brothers; Larry Howard (Eleanor), Lonnie Howard, Tommy Howard (Ruby), Melvin Howard (Mishana), Florida, mother and father in law; Carolyn and Kary Catchings, Jr., brother in law; Brett Perdue (Dana), Ohio, sisters in law; Raelona Thomas (Allen), Lynn Logan, Michigan, and a cherished circle of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ricky is reunited in heaven with his parents; Henry Lee and Willie Mae Howard, sisters; Bernadette Howard, Esther Ford and Ida Belle Howard Oxendine, brothers; Grady Howard and Arthur Howard, Sr., daughter; Tori Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Times of Refreshing Ministries, P.O. Box 682292, Franklin, TN 37068.