Randall Wright Howard

Randall Wright Howard, affectionately known as “Randy,” passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the age of 75. Randy was born on June 11, 1951, in Alexandria, Virginia, to the late Wesley Wright and Betty Jane Howard. He was raised in Alexandria and graduated from T.C. Williams High School before making Manassas, Virginia, his home, where he spent the remainder of his life. In Manassas, Randy welcomed his only daughter, Meghan Louise Jackson, who was truly the pride and joy of his life. Their relationship was a special one. Randy was incredibly proud of Meghan and cherished watching her become the woman, wife, mother, and nurse practitioner she is today. No matter how much time passed, she would always be his little girl. The love between them was one of the greatest gifts of his life. Randy was witty, hardworking, and never afraid to tell a good story. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand to family and friends. He had a lifelong love of music and was a true outdoorsman. His career in building and handyman work kept him close to the outdoors, but being outdoors was also where he truly loved to be. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bow hunting, and simply being surrounded by nature. He had a knack for fishing and loved sharing what he knew with the people around him. Some of his favorite memories were made outdoors, and he proudly passed his knowledge, patience, and love of fishing on to his grandsons, Caden and Ethan. He also spent many years with his nephew, Brian, teaching and helping him perfect his bow hunting skills—ultimately helping Brian discover what would become his true passion and, eventually, his career. Randy also had a deep passion for sports, particularly baseball. He played shortstop with remarkable skill and a genuine love for the game. His athleticism, competitive spirit, and knowledge of baseball became another part of the legacy he passed down to his grandchildren and nephews. One of his proudest legacies lives on through his grandson, Luke, who inherited not only Randy’s love for baseball but also his talent and excellence at shortstop. There is something especially meaningful about watching Luke carry on the position Randy loved so much. Randy shared a particularly close bond with his brother, Forrest. They spent many years together, sharing time, stories, and the simple moments that made their relationship so special. Their brotherhood was a meaningful part of Randy’s life, and the memories they created together will be cherished always. Above all else, family was everything to Randy. He treasured the time he spent with those he loved and took great pride in his family. He is survived by his daughter, Meghan Jackson, and her husband, Kevin; his sisters, Sherry Howard and Marcia Pearson and her husband, Gary; his brother, Forrest Howard; his grandsons, Caden, Ethan, and Luke Jackson; his nieces and nephews, Brian (Heidi) Thacker, Jennie (Andy) Sheads, Joel (Annie) Pearson, and Ben (Theresa) Pearson; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. In his final days, Randy was surrounded by his family in Marcy and Gary’s home. Marcy, Gary, Jennie, Annie, Joel, and Meghan cared for him with extraordinary tenderness and compassion, ensuring he was comfortable and never alone. Randy’s room was decorated with artwork created by the children, whose laughter and giggles filled the home. Football and baseball games played in the background as they all shared fishing stories, sang songs, and revisited cherished memories and inside jokes. The home was not filled with darkness or sorrow, but with the same warmth, laughter, and love that had filled Randy’s life. Randy was a man who always saw the glass as half full and could find the silver lining, even in difficult times. Even amid their grief, Randy and his family filled their abruptly limited time with reminders of a life well lived and surrounded him with the love, joy, and spirit that had always meant so much to him. Their farewell was a final, beautiful expression of the deep bonds, devotion, and love they shared, allowing Randy to pass peacefully, guiding him home to his Lord and Savior. A part of Randy will always remain—in the woods, on the water, at the ballfield, and, most importantly, in the hearts of the people who loved him. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, Virginia. Visitation will be held from 4:00–5:00 p.m., followed by a service in the funeral home chapel from 5:00–6:00 p.m. Randy will be laid to rest on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a graveside service.

Randall Wright Howard

June 11, 1951 - August 24, 2026