Henry Howard Simmons was born on July 20, 1939, in Savannah, Georgia, to Harry Hull Simmons and Mary Howard Simmons. Howard grew up in Savannah and attended Benedictine Military School, graduating in 1957. He then attended Georgia Tech, where he studied engineering and graduated in 1961 with a degree in Industrial Management.

After college, Howard proudly served as a United States Navy Officer on active duty from 1963 to 1966. He started his military service in naval aviation before overseas assignments in Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Vietnam area. After fully separating from the Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant in 1973, he remained dedicated to supporting fellow veterans and military causes.

After military service, Howard married Bette Bennett in 1970, and together they raised a family in Columbia, South Carolina. Howard spent 26 years working in Large Systems Account Sales for International Business Machines (IBM), where he was known for his subject matter expertise and outstanding sales records, often awarding him IBM’s prestigious “Golden Circle.” In those years, he was equally passionate about racquetball and handball and enjoyed frustrating the neighborhood kids by shooting 3-pointers against them in basketball. Howard cherished his wife, two sons, and daughter and loved spending time traveling with them for over 55 years. Howard always had a passion for computer technology, and after retiring from IBM he spent another 10 years as the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce Systems Manager. After calling Columbia, South Carolina home for over 45 years, they relocated to Georgia in 2022 to live close to all their children and grandchildren.

Howard is survived by his loving wife Bette, sons Patrick and Barry, daughter Christina, daughters-in-law Carolyn and Michele, and grandchildren Carson, Bryson, Allison, Rebekah, and Hannah, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. Howard was preceded in death by his father, Harry, mother, Mary, and brother, Robert. Howard will forever be remembered for his love of life, family, and friends, as well as his love of reading, traveling, and active participation in the senior adult ministry of his church.

The family wish to thank everyone who has provided special care and support, especially extended family and friends, Eastside Church, and Woodstock Funeral Home, who have made this difficult transition bearable. 

In lieu of any flowers, rather consider making a donation in Howard's honor to either the United Service Organization (USO) or the senior adult ministry of Eastside Church (https://followeastside.com/).