Howell Hood Sherrod Jr.

Birth date: May 15, 1944 Death date: Aug 12, 2022

Howell Hood Sherrod, Jr., “Hoodie”, took the last flight out on August 12, 2022, with his daughters and family by his side. He was 78 years old. Born in Johnson City, TN, he was the son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Howell Hood Sherrod of Johnson City, TN. He is survived by his daughters, Kelly Sherrod Bajko (George) of Johnson City, TN; Kari Sherrod Wilbanks (Matt) of Mountain Brook, AL; and, Lucy Sherrod of Maryville, TN; his three granddaughters, Lawson Phillips, Sherrod Wilbanks, and Harper Wilbanks; his brothers, Edgar Sherrod (Lynn) of Johnson City, TN and Bill Sherrod (Diana) of Cross Junction, VA, as well as many other extended family and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Rebecca Sherrod Rader and her husband, Kenny, of Knoxville, TN. It is impossible to encompass the impact Howell had on so many because, truthfully, no one ever knows the full reach of their deeds. As an attorney, Howell helped a multitude of clients and he was instrumental in starting the local branch of Legal Aid of East Tennessee. He also had the honor of arguing two cases in front of the United States Supreme Court. These cases are still studied in law schools across the country today to teach aspiring attorneys. In addition to a legal career that spanned four decades, Howell was a staunch proponent of education. He had a true love of learning and always encouraged others to keep expanding beyond what they thought they knew. Howell viewed education as the ultimate pathway of opportunity. He was continually expanding his own knowledge by living life to the fullest. Whether collecting spores on the Great Barrier Reef or counting black bears in the Smoky Mountains, Howell was always seeking ways to pair the things he loved with opportunities that could be used to educate future generations. More than anything, supporting his community and the local businesses was at the essence of who he was. Howell strongly believed that if you could help someone, then you should; that one should contribute to the place they called home. Howell didn’t want you to just donate money to the Community Theater, he wanted you to show up for the play! A fervent seeker of knowledge with a profound love of life, Howell had a brilliant mind and a keen sense of humor. He wasn’t perfect, but he owned every imperfection and the lessons learned. His daughters and friends will miss him dearly. Howell’s final act of service was donating his body to the Quillen College of Medicine. He wanted to assist future physicians advance their education and, hopefully, help generations to come, thus combining his love of education and community. All are invited as we gather to celebrate Howell overlooking one of his favorite places, downtown Johnson City. Please join us at The Gallery, 601 Spring St #102 on Friday, September 16th from 5:00-7:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please do a random act of kindness and support local businesses. He would have liked that a lot.Read Obituary

Tribute Wall Events Media

Chuck Ensor

28w ago

in honor of Howell.

A lighted pale blue candle with a small white flower and a few leaves at its base, set against a soft blue background.

Marilyn Peyton

83w ago

I have been honored to have known Howell for more than twenty-five years. He was the best friend I have ever had. He brought laughter wherever he went.
His door was always open. He said, “You can’t learn anything when you are talking” so he listened. He loved meeting people and helping however he could. Every problem had a solution and, no matter what you were doing, he could find a way to do it better! I still punch 33 seconds on the microwave instead of 30 because “It is more efficient.”
He was warm, generous, brilliant, compassionate, outrageous, argumentative, obstinate, irreverent, kind, and sentimental. He used to say he cried at long distance commercials (he actually did). He was proud of being a wordsmith; he liked crossword puzzles and verbal dueling until he finally had the last word.
He lived every day as if it were his last. He loved his life. His happiest times were spent with his daughters and their families. When asked how he was doing, he would answer “If I were any better, I’d be twins” or “If I died tomorrow, I’d have to give a refund.”
There will never be another you – farewell dear friend. Your refund check is in the mail…
Marilyn Peyton

Wayne Graves

83w ago

I had the pleasure of practicing law for over 40 years while Howell was practicing. I enjoyed many laugh and good times at his yearly bar gathering.. His since of humor and quick wit brighten up many occasion for me and countless others. He was a great guy.
Wayne Graves.

Kim, And

83w ago

Sent a Large Basket Garden to the Sherrod family.

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Anonymous

83w ago

Sent an Ocean Breeze Spray to the Sherrod family.

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Bud Garant

84w ago

I wanted to offer my deepest condolences to all of you during this time. Howell was an interesting guy, and I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to spend time with him years ago. Kelly, I'm so sorry you lost your dad. You may not remember me, but we worked together years ago for a brief time. I am so sorry for your and your family's great loss.

W. Mccool

84w ago

I came to know Howell as part of a corporate move from Pittsburgh to Johnson City. To say that he was a unique and atypical lawyer (and individual for that matter) is an understatement. I recall a time when he very emphatically informed me that the last time he checked he was the lawyer and I should just sit down and let him (and the other lawyer on the team) do their jobs (as they had the case "under control." He was correct, of course - and we won the case. From that time on, we became best of friends - and when Howell was your friend, you truly had a friend. I cherish having known him and extend my best to his family. Shannon McCool and family.