Howell Wayne Wiseman, lovingly known as “Pappy,” entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the home of his daughter, Jennifer, surrounded by the love and care of his family. He passed away just three years and two days after the passing of his beloved wife of 52 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Hicks Wiseman, better known as “Mammy.”

Howell was a simple man who loved deeply and lived his life taking care of the people he loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His family was his greatest joy, and he was always there to lend a hand, share a story, or simply sit and visit. He never needed much to be happy. The people he loved, a quiet day at home, and the simple things in life were enough for him.

Howell was a member of Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church, where he was saved and baptized by Tommy Maines. He grew up attending the old Valley Forge Free Will Baptist Church. Later, he attended Long Hollow Missionary Baptist Church with his wife, Jackie, until her passing. Howell’s faith was an important part of his life, and he looked forward to the day he would be reunited with Mammy in the presence of the Lord.

Howell was a proud 1967 graduate of Hampton High School. Shortly after graduation, he answered his country’s call and proudly served in the United States Navy from August 21, 1967, through August 21, 1971. During his four years of service, he faithfully served his country, carrying out his duties with honor and dedication. He served in Aviation Ordnance, faithfully carrying out his duties during a time when much was asked of those who wore the uniform. He was especially blessed to be a part of the Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands, Mission 13, with his daughter, Jennifer, serving as his guardian.

Howell worked for North American Rayon until the strike in the 1990s and later retired from the City of Johnson City Public Works, Street Division.

Music was also a special part of Howell’s life. He was a member of the singing group Sounds of Victory, sharing that love of music with his wife, Jackie, and long-time family friend, Glenda Pounds, and Teddy Miller. He cherished the friendships and memories made through singing, and he continued to hold his singing partners close to his heart.

Howell was a proud Tennessee Volunteers fan and never turned down an opportunity to “loafer.” He enjoyed taking trips to North Carolina, especially the Banner Elk area, where his family had roots. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed walking the Tweetsie Trail with his granddaughter, Autumn. Each year on his birthday, he and his granddaughters, Amber and Autumn, would walk the entire 10-mile trail together. This year was the only exception, as his health would not allow him to make that special walk.

At home, Howell found joy in the simple things that made an ordinary day special. He loved cooking for his family and took great pride in filling his home with good food, good conversation, and the people he loved. His home was a place where family could always gather, sit around the table, and feel welcome. He loved working crossword puzzles and could often be found sitting with a cup of coffee in his hand, taking his time and working through each one. He also loved watching and caring for the birds, quietly enjoying their visits around his home. These simple moments brought Howell a sense of peace and happiness and were a beautiful reflection of the simple life he loved.

But more than anything, Howell loved his grandchildren. They were truly the light of his life. He loved spending time with them, making memories with them, and watching them grow. Amber, Autumn, and Madi each held a special place in his heart, and his great-grandchildren brought him a joy that was difficult to put into words. He was the kind of man who loved his grandchildren fiercely and proudly, always making sure they knew they were loved. Some of their greatest memories will be the simplest ones, the walks, the visits, the stories, and just being together.

One of the things Howell loved most was visiting Mammy. Every Sunday, you could find him at her graveside in Poga, Tennessee. Even after three years apart, his love for her never faded. He carried her memory with him every day and remained devoted to the woman who had shared 52 years of his life.

Howell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Hicks Wiseman; his parents, Ben and Vera Wiseman; brothers Hayden Wiseman, Carroll Wiseman, Buddy Wiseman, and Larry Wiseman; sisters Carolyn Proffitt and Judy Harmon; his most loved friend and adopted family member, Teddy Miller; sister-in-law Vivian Saults and her husband, Bob; mother-in-law Frankie Flannery; and his special friend and singing partner, Rick Burchett.

Those left to grieve, honor, and cherish his memory include his only daughter, Jennifer Earp, and her husband and Howell’s favorite son-in-law, Scotty, of Elizabethton; his beloved grandchildren, Amber Earp of Elizabethton, Autumn Earp of Knoxville, and Madi Babb of Kingsport; grandson-in-law Justin Babb of Kingsport; and his precious great-grandchildren, EffieMae Maxine, and, Grayson and Chloe.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Earnest Hicks of Elizabethton; his very special sister-in-law and guardian angel, Judy Vines Crisp, and her husband, Joel, of Elizabethton; Frances Miller, whom he loved and cared for as his own; special friend and singing partner and adopted family member, Glenda Pounds; special nephew Cecil Wiseman; and his best friends, JR Bunton, Paul Jones, and Terry Moffitt, as well as his cousin and best friend, Jimmie Wiseman.

Howell leaves behind many special cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever cherish the memories they made with him. He also leaves his loyal cat companion, Ms. Ceeley, who kept him company and held a special place in his heart.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Quillen Rehabilitation Hospital in Johnson City for the care they provided during Howell’s stay. They also extend their appreciation to Amedisys Home Health for their time, therapy, and care in his home; Silver Angels caregivers Deborah Morell, Bridget Jones, Leeandria Huntsmen, and Cindy Hoilman; Gentiva Hospice for their gracious and compassionate care; and the staff of the Mountain Home VA Hospital for their care and the many provisions they provided. The family is also deeply grateful to his primary care physicians, Sophie Bremer and Johnathan Bremer, for the many years of care they provided to Howell.

Howell will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. His family will miss his presence, his stories, his stubbornness, his laughter, his love, and all the little things that made him uniquely Howell. They will miss seeing him work his crossword puzzles, watching the birds, taking his trips, and most of all, simply having him here.

But while their hearts are broken by his absence, they find comfort in knowing that Howell is no longer hurting or struggling. After three years and two days of missing his beloved wife, he has finally been reunited with the woman he loved for 52 years. He has also been reunited with the family and friends who went before him. The family can picture him now, whole again, walking through Heaven, surrounded by those he loved and hearing the voices of the people he had missed for so long.

Howell spent his life loving and caring for his family. Now, his family will carry that love forward until the day they see him again. His memory will live on in his daughter, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, his friends, and in every story told about the simple man everyone was blessed to call Pappy.

Graveside Service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026 in the Stines Cemetery (Poga Community) with Pastor Bob Simpson officiating. Active Pallbearers: Andy Wiseman, Cecil Wiseman, Kenny Wiseman, Brian Wiseman, Justin Babb, and Ronnie Kent. Honorary Pallbearers: JR Bunton, Paul Jones, Terry Moffitt, Jimmie Wiseman, Greg Church, Teddy Greenwell, Chris Flannery, and Arnold Vines.. Military Honors will be provided. Music will be provided by Joel Crisp. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 2 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home prior to the graveside service. Condolences may be sent to the family at our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Wiseman family