Johnell Howard, 76, of Lakeland, FL, passed away on March 2, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on Monday, October 25, 1948, in Ocklawaha, FL, to Eddie Hall and Isabella Howard.

Johnell received his education in the Marion County School District and graduated from Belleview Santos High School in the Class of 1966. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army for 27½ years, earning numerous accolades, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Medal, Drill Sergeant Badge, French Commander Badge, and Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), among others.

After honorably separating from the Army, Johnell continued his career with FedEx, where he worked for 15 years before retiring. Never one to remain idle, he embarked on a new adventure with The Lakeland Ledger, where he remained employed until his passing.

In his free time, Johnell enjoyed fishing, collecting, and recycling metal, and watching westerns and wrestling.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his sisters, Annie Banks and Lenora Mitchell; brother, Darnell Howard.

He leaves to cherish his many memories : his former wife, Beverly Howard; children, Johnell Howard, Megan (Keron) Johnson, Jordan (Jheysa) Howard, Justin Howard, and Jasmine Howard; siblings, Theophilus (Jackie) Howard, Connie Jenkins, Edward Howard, Carrie Kellum, Theodore Howard, Erenstine Summer, Donel Cohen, Joyce Freeman, Adamae Suggs, and Brenda Hillman; mother-in-law, Isabella Keith; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and sorrowing community.

The Howard Family will receive extended family, friends, and the community on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 12:00p.m. – 2:00p.m. with the Homegoing Celebration will beginning at 2:00p.m. at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Lakeland (1321 N. Webster Ave #75, Lakeland, FL 33805). The burial will take place 1:00p.m. Monday, March 17, 2025 in Bushnell National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.

All floral arrangements can be delivered to Lighthouse Memorial (251 1st Street S. Winter Haven, FL 33880) on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.