Richard Hugh Howerton

Richard Hugh Howerton, age 76, of Dandridge, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2016. After earning a B.S. in Agriculture and M.S. in Administration from the University of Tennessee, Richard served his community for 37 years. Most of his teaching career was spent at Maury High and Jefferson County High Schools; he retired as Agriculture Instructor and Greenhouse Manager at Jefferson County High School in 2000. For many years he served as a Future Farmers of America advisor, helping youth become leaders in the community and in the field of agriculture. He also served as Jefferson County Director of Adult Basic Education for a time. As well as teaching, Hugh worked on his family’s farm, and for the past 18 years operated Howerton Greenhouse with this wife and son. He loved nothing more than working alongside his family. Howerton accepted the Lord at 14, and was strengthened throughout his life by an unwavering faith in his Savior and ultimate salvation. He was a member of Green Hill Independent Baptist Church. Howerton was preceded in death by his parents John H. and Annette Howerton. He is survived by Geneva, his beloved wife and helpmate of 52 years; his daughter, Leisa and her husband Jim McDonald; his son, Mike and his wife Pam (Turley); granddaughter Caitlin McDonald; brothers, Kenneth (Claudette) and Edward (Gale); sisters Frances Jordan (Raymond) and Dianne Hartsfield (Jim); and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, September 2 with Rev. Caleb Dennis officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday evening prior to the funeral service at Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City. Entombment at Hamblen Memory Gardens 10 a.m. Saturday, September 3. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Green Hill Independent Baptist Church.