Howard G. Tennyson

Birth date: Sep 3, 1931 Death date: Jul 27, 2017

Howard G. Tennyson, 85, passed away July 27, 2017 at the VA Medical Center in Johnson City, TN. Mr. Tennyson was born and raised in Cullman and Gadsden, Alabama, graduating from Gadsden High School in 1950.He was drafted into the Korean War in December of 1950 at which time he joined the U. S. Air Force, and after basic training was sent directly to the 5th Air Force Headquarters, Bomber Wing, at an Air Base in Suwon, South Korea, where he remained for a year, returning to Patrick Air Force Base in Florida where he was discharged in November, 1953. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, three Bronze Stars and National Defense Service Medal for his service in the Korean War.Mr. Tennyson graduated from Gadsden High School in 1950 and attended Jacksonville State College after returning home from Korea. Mr. Tennyson retired from the International Teamsters Union where he had worked as an officer, contract negotiator, business agent and organizer, for Local #612, Birmingham, AL, as Vice President; Local #549, Kingsport, TN, as President, and Local #728 in Atlanta, GA, as Business Agent, before retiring. He worked tirelessly in Alabama, Tennessee and Washington, DC for laws to pass that would benefit and help his members and the working men and women of this country. He was a member of Cloud’s Bend United Methodist Church.Preceding him in death were his parents, Earl and Lola Tennyson; sister Faye Watson; brother Earl Tennyson, Jr., and son Michael R. Tennyson.Survivors include his wife and friend of forty-five years, Mary (Churchwell) Tennyson; son, James H. Tennyson, DDS, and wife June; daughters Teri Startley and husband Greg, and Karen Hogeland; step-son Mike Taylor; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother-in-law John H. Watson; two nieces and one nephew; special friends and neighbors at our beloved Cherokee Lake cabin.Visitation will be from 5 - 7 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2017 in the Fireside Room at Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services, 800 Truxton Drive, Kingsport, TN.Military Graveside Rites will be conducted at 11:30 am Tuesday, August 1, 2017, at the V.A. National Cemetery, Mountain Home, TN by The American Legion Hammond Post #3 and Gate City Post #265.The family is requesting, instead of flowers, donations to be made to the Volunteer Services, CLC Hospice and Patients Care at the James H. Quillen VA Hospital, Mountain Home, TN 37684, or the animal shelter of your choice.Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the Tennyson family.Read Obituary

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Oak Hill Funeral And Cremation Services

352w ago

Created a Tribute Video in memory of Howard G. Tennyson.

Stan Brent

308w ago

June 01 2018
From: Stan Brent
To: Mary and all of Howard Tennyson's family

However sad it may be not being able to see or talk to him here on earth; knowing how wonderful a place he lives in now I am not sad 'for' him. I wish for peace and understanding throughout the Tennyson family. All of my respects, Stan

Anyone still checking these posts may realize I'm checking in late relative to the date of Howard's funeral. I won't tell the story of why I thought of him today(maybe later) but I truly want to make contact with Mary or any family member. Howard and Mary were such a special a man and woman to me. They were good friends of my parents; Mel and Billie Brent and I met them somewhere around 1972, when only 10 yrs old. My mobile number is 423-430-4847

Sheila R

349w ago

Dear Mary I knew when I answered the phone that you were going to tell me of Harold passing. I was heartsick remembering the few but meaningful times he and I and you were with us at our high school reunions in gadsden al. Because of different school locations we met in the 7th grade. He was a happy go lucky guy as myself, loved everybody and hoped they loved us. I loved dancing, the girls and not studying too hard, but we knew where we were. He appreciated me as I did him. He was a fun loving guy and everyone loved him. The Korean War started and he and I went into the service. When I left Korea he and will Pearce met me at the gate to the compound housing us until the ship taking us home was loaded. I asked whether we had to stay in the compound all that time or not. Howard said they all do but you don't, jump in the jeep. We drove out and I enjoyed being with them for the three or four days we were there. He and will put me on the ship when it was my time to go. Howard and I both went to Jacksonville state university under the gi bill. We did not see each other too much at school because I went home on weekends to work. My family had a lot of illness and I had to commute the last live two years of college. Next were our high school reunions and he had met the love of his life, Mary. Howard and I talked many times on the phone sharing our lives and I could tell he was proud of his life with you and his children. I mentioned sheila and I had hosted Korean War reunions in Wytheville VA the last few years and you said that you were only an hour away from wyhtheville. I had always thought you lived at the western most part of tenn. I got sick to my stomach when I realized we could have been seeing each other.we love you as Howard did and want you to go on to live a wonderful life with your family and friends and know you will be with him in heaven walking down those beautiful paths hand in hand one day. Love larry and sheila day

Teresa Bright

351w ago

Mrs. Tennyson and family,

I was sorry to see of Mr. Tennyson's passing. My father, Wade Murph, worked at Mason & Dixon Tank Lines for many years, and was also a Teamster, and was a friend of Mr. Tennyson's.

I can remember when I was a little girl, very small around first grade age, I went to the terminal with my dad and Mr. Tennyson was there. My dad and Mr. Tennyson began talking and of course I was bored. I remember so distinctly how kind Mr. Tennyson was to me. He bought me a soda with crushed ice out of their machine and he found me a brand new pencil with the M & D logo on it and a blue plastic ruler and gave them to me. To most people that may not sound like much, but to a little girl it sure made a big impression.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless you.

Teresa Murph Bright

James June Tennyson

352w ago

James Tennyson

352w ago

Anonymous

352w ago

Sent a Dreams From the Heart Bouquet to the Tennyson family.

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Oak Hill Funeral And Cremation Services

352w ago

Anonymous

352w ago

Sent a Pretty Please to the Tennyson family.

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James Bowman

352w ago

Sorry to hear passing of Howard to whom have known him for several years. Mary and Howard where great people and where dedicated to the people who they represented will always cherish Howard for all hard work he did for all working class of people. Sending condolences to Mary and the family for their loss. RIP Howard I will always cherish our memories from years past. God Bless the Tennyson family.

Sheila R

349w ago