(MURFREESBORO)  The Heart of Tennessee lost a loving, caring and committed leader Thursday morning (12/23/2021). Howard D. Wall passed away from natural causes while surrounded by family at his home on Southeast Broad. He was 81 years of age. 

Arrangements

Visitation will be this Wednesday (12/29/2021) morning at 11:00 o'clock and continuing until the chapel service at 2:00PM in Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation (820 S. Church St.).  The burial will follow at Ward’s Grove Cemetery.  CLICK HERE for the complete obituary. 

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Black Fox Elementary or MTSU Blue Raider Athletic Association.

Early Years

The 1958 Central High grad grew-up here and loved this community. He was successful from the beginning. As a Central High Tiger, TSSAA statistics show that Howard is one of 13 state football record holders. In fact, back on November 8, 1957 his 99-yard run tied for the longest from a scrimmage.

After high school, he went on to Middle Tennessee State University and graduated in 1962. Howard was then off to the Navy where he served for 3-years. 

Memories

The majority of friends who were recalling memories about Howard Wall instantly mentioned his "broad smile". That smile was described as "contagious".  Others remembered his allegiance to individuals and organizations that made a difference on his life. "He showed his appreciation with financial support: Central High, MTSU and other local groups and causes.  

State Senator Shane Reeves noted, "Rutherford County is truly a better place because of the life and service of Howard Wall. From real estate to politics to philanthropy, we are all blessed to have known this great man. My prayers are with his fdamily."

Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron said, "Howard loved three things, in my opinion: Real Estate, Republican Politics and the MTSU Blue Raiders. It just depended on what day it was as to which one he loved the most. He was a well respected Southern Gentleman! Howard definitely left his mark on Rutherford County?"

Developer

Howard was a real estate developer involved in the projects that we look at now as the major shopping areas and subdivisions of Rutherford County. Everything from the area that houses Target and Lowes, to the Stones River Center; subdivisions like Kensington, Liberty Station, and Harvest Grove. He was a supporter of Murfreesboro's Gateway Project that is now the home of Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, The Avenue and much more. 

Howard and his wife Sally owned Snow & Wall Realty. As time went on, the Wall's decided to sell the business. It is now Coldwall Banker Barnes. 

Impacted Many

Senior Judge Don Ash commented, "Howard Wall touched so many aspects of our community. He loved MTSU. I love going to the baseball field and seeing the 'Howard and Sally Wall' centerfield. A true southern gentleman who loved his family and this community. Truly a life well lived."

State Senator Dawn White remembers, "It was truly an honor and a privilege to have known Howard for over 20 years. Howard was a trailblazer in Rutherford County business and politics. Over many years, I got to see first hand how much he loved our country, the State of Tennessee, and especially Rutherford County. There is no doubt that Howard was a true patriot. He and Sally gave so much of their time and resources to make Rutherford County a much better place to live, and we have all been blessed by their many contributions. I'm so grateful for having the opportunity to known Howard; he had a huge influence on my life, and I know we all will miss him greatly." 

MTSU President Sidney McPhee said, "Speaking for all Blue Raiders, Elizabeth and I are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend Howard Wall. His love for our community, as well as Middle Tennessee State University, was tremendous and  will be felt for generations. Our prayers go out to Sally and all in his family."

Once again, the visitation will be this Wednesday (12/29/2021) morning at 11:00 o'clock and continuing until the chapel service at 2:00PM in Jennings and Ayers Funeral Home and Cremation (820 S. Church St.).  The burial will follow at Ward’s Grove Cemetery.  CLICK HERE for the complete obituary. 

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Black Fox Elementary or MTSU Blue Raider Athletic Association.