Mr. Johnny Howard

John Howard was born on September 22, 1950, to the late Lillie Mae Howard and James Howard. He was the oldest sibling and a natural leader from the start. On April 1, 2025, at the age of 74, John passed away in his home, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and creativity. As a graduate of Alexander Hunt High School, class of 1968, John served as class president, which set the tone for a life marked by ambition and charisma. He later earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Fort Valley State University in 1972. He then worked as an insurance adjuster in Massachusetts. He used to ride a Honda motorcycle and the iconic talking car “KITT” 300ZX before trading it for his dream car at the time, a Mercedes. He used to say, “I will know I made it when I am able to get a Mercedes.” He also played the electric guitar with influences from Jimi Hendrix. He had a remarkable green thumb, growing plants that thrived for over 30 years and are still living to this day. Driven and innovative, John became the first African American to open a one-hour photo studio located in Decatur, Georgia. He captured life through his lens, photographing weddings, graduations, and milestones for generations. He even holds a patent for a lighting attachment he invented called the “FlashCap”. John was known for always working on his next big idea. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he found a way to keep love going, performing “curbside weddings” at the wedding chapel he founded in Atlanta. He had a vibrant personality and loved to make people laugh. He was recognized and respected everywhere he went. “Your smile is your calling card,” he’d say, and he knew how to command a room. John never just lived life—he captured it. And though he may no longer be behind the camera, the beautiful moments he created will live on forever. John is survived by his wife of 33 years, Catherine Howard; his children: Barbara Gibson, Alisha Ezell, Richard Howard, and Tracy Howard; his grandchildren: Destiny Walker, Amos Harris Jr., Nevaeh Howard, and Michael Ezell; his great-grandchildren: Landon Walker, Mikayla Ezell, Mikari Ezell, Mikai Ezell, and the late Kingston Wormington-Harris; his siblings: Lorraine Preston (Henry Preston), James Howard Jr. (Tammie Jones), Carl Perry (Lisa Perry), and Flavia “Ann” Perry, and the late Robert Howard; his aunt Ida Warren; his uncles: Arthur “Otis” Gibson and Lloyd Gibson; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who adored him.

Tributes

Mr. Johnny Howard

September 22, 1950 - April 1, 2025