Dr. David William Howard III

Dr. David William Howard III, age 86, of Clarksville, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024. 

Celebration of Life will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Madison Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Harriet Bryan and Rev. Cliff Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home.

Bill entered this life on February 19, 1938, in Montgomery County, Tennessee, to the late David and Olive Howard II. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, David William Howard IV.

Dr. Howard was a 1956 graduate of Clarksville High School. His journey in the field of veterinary medicine began after his education at the University of Tennessee and Auburn University. In 1963, he opened the Animal Hospital in Clarksville, where he not only provided exceptional care, but also established himself as a trusted and respected figure in the community. Dr. Howard was a devoted member of Madison Street United Methodist Church, where his faith played a central role in guiding his actions and interactions with others. He was a member of the first elected Montgomery County School Board, member of the Clarksville High Football Alumni Club, and was a 60-year member of the Clarksville Civitan Club. Additionally, his passion for the outdoors led him to become a longstanding member of the Blackjack Hunting and Fishing Club.

Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Kay Herndon Howard; children, Cathy Howard Coggin (David), Dr. Ray Howard (Tiffany), Dr. Ben Howard (Daphne), Buffy Howard (Brian Johnson); grandchildren, Drew Coggin (Melissa), Jay Coggin, Claire Nielson (Regan), Grace Kauffman (Christian), Sarah Hornback (Clayton), Ray Howard Jr., Price Howard, Catherine Howard, John Howard, Will Calhoun, and David Calhoun; and four great grandchildren. 

Pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. John Wright, Dr. David Morton, Bill Kleeman, Johnny Peay, Jack Turner, Steve Walker, Dr. Ralph Johnson, Jack Mitchell, Dan Nolan, Dave Farris, Dr. Ernie DeWald, Taylor Stokes, John Carney, Lawson Mabry, Sidney Johnson Jr., Greg Schmidt, and Gary Shephard. Additional Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Pathfinders Class at Madison Street UMC. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Madison Street United Methodist Church, 319 Madison Street, Clarksville, Tennessee, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital stjude.org.

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, 1209 Madison Street, Clarksville, Tennessee. Online condolences may be made to Dr. Howard’s family at NaveFuneralHomes.com.