Mr. Jerry "Samp" Wayne Howard age 75 of Cookevile, White Co., TN passed from  this life on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Funeral services for Jerry "Samp" Howard will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 3 PM and will welcome friends at the funeral home on Thursday, 19th starting at 11 AM until service time.

Jerry "Samp" loved his family, friends, and his 2 dogs Nova and Joy.He was a retired truck driver and loved driving, riding in fast cars, gardening and building things. He loved to tinker with things especially lawn mowers, growing watermelons and hot peppers. He loved thunderstorms and sitting on the porch when they came. He loved going to cracker barrel. We the family would like to thank the Hospice team nurses, Heather and Shannon, and care givers, Jeanette and Julie Fields for all they did for him.

Jerry "Samp" Wayne Howard is preceded in death in addition to his parents, brothers, Ed Howard Jr., James Keith Howard, Gus England,Howard, Sister, Mary Elise Howard Hitchock, grandson Hunter Gunnels, great grandsons Liam Gunnels and Ryland Gunnels.

survived by his wife Anita Howard, daughter Braska Smith, son Sam Howard and wife Elizabeth, son Jeremy Howard, daughter Kristy Ray, son James Ray and his wife Mickey, grandchildren Kyle Keesling, Allison Smith, Terry Ford and wife Kendreah, Caitlyn Maberry and husband James, Religh Howard, Bailey Fawlkes and husband Nathan, Lee Gunnels and wife Virginia, Gage Gunnels and wife Nalee, Kyra Webb and husband Sammy, Destiniy Bullis and husband T.K., Hailee Sagers, Tierra Rolston, David Ray and wife Maddy, Seth Ray and wife Jazzmine, Rikki Bain and husband Devin, Carlie Ray, Jacob Ray. 28 Great grandchildren. Sisters, Anna Howard Wood and husband Bob, Carolyn Kay Howard, Patty Howard Ganser and husband John, Betty Howard Putnam, William Joseph Howard and wife Diane, Nancy Howard Rogers and husband Marty, Phyllis Howard Garner and husband David along with numerous nieces and nephews. Special friends more like family Billy Willams, Mike and Mickey Vickers. In lieu of flowers please make donations towards funeral expenses by contacting the funeral home.