Reynolds Joyce Howard (1929 – 2026) Reynolds Joyce Howard, beloved husband, brother, father, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home, in Hartselle, AL, on October 31, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on June 25, 1929, in Rogersville, Alabama to Houston and Zada Howard, Reynolds grew up with an abiding love for family and faith, a strong sense of self-discipline, and a keen curiosity for how the world works.
While attending college in Michigan, it would be a blind date that would connect Reynolds to his true love and soulmate, Katie Sue King. This soon led to over 65 beautiful, adventurous years of marriage, during which they created two equally adventurous and uniquely talented children. As a devoted husband, father, and long suffering brother, he cherished his family and his faith in the lord above all else. Reynolds served in the Navy as a Radioman aboard the USS Cabot, worked as a chemical engineer for General Motors, and flew as a private pilot, but it was his dedication to the teachings of Jesus that truly guided his life. Even as a young adult member of Michigan’s Royal Oak Church Of Christ, when assigned the role of teacher and chaperone to the rambunctious teens, his patience and proficiency earned him both the designation of trusted mentor to the youth and later, deacon to the congregation. Both duties he served with equal honor.
Known for his kindness, dry humor, interminable advice, and deep questions about our time here on earth, Reynolds touched the lives of everyone he met. He is survived by his wife, Katie Sue Howard; children, Heath Howard and Heather Howard Ciotti (Giovanni); grandchildren, Zayden Ciotti and Zander Ciotti; his brother-in-law, Jim Walker, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Philip Houston Howard and Zada Eliza Williams Howard; siblings Rosalie Howard Stull (Paul), Vivian Houston Howard (Lalah), Jonah Sullivan Howard (Virginia, 1st wife; Evelyn, 2nd wife), Eunice Elleree Howard Hutto (Earl), Patricia Joe Howard, Katheryn Howard Sanderson (Bill), and Dwinna Williams Howard Walker.
His celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 7, at Peck Funeral Home in Hartselle, AL. Pallbearers will be James Walker, Jim Stephenson, Blake Henderson, James Jones, Nick Pershin, and Robert Perry.
Visitation at 10:00 AM
Service at 11:00 AM
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to https://raleighsplace.org/ and
https://www.hospiceofthevalley.net/online-donations-
