Mr. Howard E. Stearns Sr.

Howard E. Stearns, Sr., known as “Jack”, age 93, of Hollywood, Alabama, transitioned peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025. He was born on March 16, 1932, to Posey and Mae Bell Stearns, and was one of fourteen children. Jack proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1971, completing a 20-year military as Staff Sergeant After retiring from the Air Force, he returned to his hometown of Hollywood, AL, where he worked at Revere until its closure in 1982. He then went on to work with the Alabama State Road Department, where he remained until his retirement in 1996. Jack took great pride in keeping a garden every year, carefully tending to it with love. It wasn’t just a hobby, it was a reflection of who he was: rooted, steady, generous. He was known for sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors, family, and anyone who happened to stop by. His home was also filled with the gentle presence of his beloved horses and cows, which he treated not just as livestock, but as his cherished pets. Jack was more than a father or grandfather, he was “Granddaddy” to everyone. His village of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and extended community all knew and loved him by that name. His legacy lives on not only in blood, but in memory, in stories, and in the values he quietly instilled. He leaves to cherish his memory his granddaughters Deanna (Mike) Richards: Jamiya Richards, James Richards (Elena & Serayah), Jada Richards, and Christian Richards, Tiffany (Javad) Watson, and Tirzhana Stearns: Deyante, Valencia (Niyanna), and Terrence, Jr; grandsons Jamaal (Deedra) Stearns: Jamaal, Jr. and Jaylen. and David Stearns; daughter-in-law Dawn Stearns; sisters Margaret Cooper and Helen Turner; brothers Robert Stearns, Preston Stearns, and Herman Stearns. He also shared a special bond with the extended family of his beloved companion, Mary Washington, who he loved and cherished as his own. and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors, and friends who will forever know him as Granddaddy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Posey and Mae Bell Stearns; siblings Marie Edwards, Posey Stearns, Bill Stearns, James Stearns, and Charles Stearns; beloved, Olga Stearns; son, Howard E. Stearns, Jr., and daughter Rose Mary Stearns. He is also preceded in death by his grandson Preston Stearns and beloved Mary Washington. Visitation will be on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Scottsboro Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Jack will lie in state on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Scottsboro Funeral Home in Scottsboro, AL. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m., with interment at Old Baptist Cemetery. Arrangements Entrusted to Scottsboro Funeral Home

Mr. Howard E. Stearns Sr.

March 16, 1932 - April 27, 2025