Howard Leo Eads of Tullahoma passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center at the age of 86.

Howard was born in Harrisburg, AR to the late Ira Leo and Gladis Irene Austin Eads. He was the Valedictorian of his high school graduating class from Harrisburg High School and went on to attend Arkansas State College in Jonesboro for 1 and ½ years. During his life, Howard held various jobs and owned several businesses, most recently being the owner of Snow White Laundry in Tullahoma. He and his wife were longtime, dedicated members of First Baptist Church in Tullahoma. He enjoyed preaching, teaching Sunday School, woodworking, and working on computers.

Howard is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Gentry Pratt Eads; sons, Ron Eads (Julie) of Tullahoma; Barry Eads (Beth) of Spring Hill, TN; daughter, Sonya McNabb (Marc) of Boise, ID; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was the father of James Eads who served as an Alderman of Tullahoma from 2007 – 2013 when he passed away following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Gentry has five siblings who loved Howard as a brother, and he thought the world of them.

Visitation for Mr. Eads will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from noon to 2 p.m. at Kilgore Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. in the Kilgore Funeral Home chapel with Dr. J. Herbert Hester officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, the family asks that donations in Howard’s memory be made to the Isaiah 117 House, which provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting placement- PO Box 842, Elizabethton, TN 37644. Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – April 29, 2026