Larry "Dawg" Howard

Larry “Dawg” Howard, age 75, was called home to be with his Lord & Savior on April 1, 2025, following a sudden and unexpected illness. He passed away peacefully at Kindred Rehabilitation Hospital in Chattanooga.

A lifetime resident of McMinn County, he proudly grew up in Tin Can Holler. Larry is preceded in death by his father, Junior Howard; his mother, Naomi Howard; his stepfather, J.E. Howard; brothers Ronnie, David, Jeff, and Richie; and sister Connie (Howard) Freeman.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Winona (Mabes) Howard; his son, Lance Howard of Oklahoma; cherished grandchildren, Megan and Ian, and their parents, Ghani and Puji Denan of Utah; and his sisters Gail Lamb, Lois Hacker, and Lisa Thurman, Larry also leaves behind a special niece, Amanda (Freeman) Buckaloo, and her children Kelli, Madison, Dakota, and Austin.

Larry was an active member of West End Baptist Church for the past 51 years, serving as the Sunday School Superintendent and a Sunday School teacher. He believed that Christian service leaves a profound impact on both those who serve and those who are served. For him, some of his most treasured memories were made while working with youth at West End Baptist Church and visiting with the men at DreamLife Ministries.

He was affectionately known as “Dawg” to local softball fans for over 40 years. He played third base and pitcher for various teams, including the West End church team, which he eventually coached. His passion for softball led him to participate in countless state and national tournaments throughout the country. His love for Tennessee football led him to serve as an usher at Neyland Stadium for 20 years.

Larry retired from Norfolk Southern Railway in 2009 following a 35-year career but continued to share his expertise as a consultant for various railroad companies until 2024.

Visitation will be held on April 7, 2025, at Ziegler Funeral Home in Athens between 4:00-8:00 PM. Funeral services will take place at West End Baptist Church on April 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM with his previous pastor Kenny Purdie, cousin and close friend Jerry Stephens, and current pastor Dennis Wiseman officiating. Interment will follow at the Coghill Baptist Church Cemetery in Etowah.

The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the medical teams at Starr Regional Medical Center and Kindred Hospital for their kindness, compassion, and quality of care.

  If you are unable to attend the visitation or funeral service, please sign the online registry at:

www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with serving the family of Larry “Dawg” Howard.