Herbert Lee "Herb" Howard, Jr. peacefully entered eternal rest on April 1, 2025, at Saint Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, just shy of his 50th birthday.

Born on April 15, 1975, in Petersburg, Virginia, Herb was the beloved son of Deborah J. Howard and the late Herbert Lee Howard, Sr. He was the grandson of the late Emily Mae and Willie Jackson, Sr., and the late Samuel and Dorothy Howard — a strong lineage that shaped his life with love, legacy, and deep family roots.

Herb was educated in the Petersburg Public School System and was a proud graduate of the Petersburg High School Class of 1993. He continued his education at Virginia State University, graduating with the Class of 1998.

Herb dedicated many years of service working at the Federal Correctional Institution. He was also a gifted athlete who had the opportunity to try out for several NFL teams. Unfortunately, due to medical reasons, he was unable to pursue his dream of playing professional football.

Known for his easygoing nature, big heart, and adventurous spirit, Herb wasn't one to overplan — but he always showed up with a smile, a joke, or a moment worth remembering. He was a dreamer who believed in living life to the fullest, especially when surrounded by the people he loved. A lifelong fan of the San Francisco 49ers and the North Carolina Tar Heels, he was always ready to cheer, talk trash, or vibe out over a game.

He was a devoted husband to Nicole Nutt of Glen Allen, VA, and a loving father to Jeremiah, Harmoni, Dahlia, and Hannah. He also shared a special bond with his stepdaughters, Jaylah Grazier and Hydeia Nutt, and he cherished his role as "Granddad" to Haeden Nutt.

In addition to his wife, children, and mother, Herb is survived by his sisters, DeShawn Howard Dunbar (Charles) of Stafford, VA, and Sharonda Parker of Richmond, VA; nieces, Kiearra Addo and Shamya Parker Tyler ; great-niece, Aria Addo; nephews, Jalen Gilmore and Malik Evans.

He is also remembered by a devoted extended family, including: aunts, Roberta Morgan of Petersburg, VA, Deborah Howard of Atlanta, GA, Barbara Lee Jones of Petersburg, VA, Dorothy Howard  of Concord, NC, Mary Howard of Petersburg, VA, Winifred Jackson-Francis (Gary) of Silver Spring, MD, and Lelia Celestine Taylor of Petersburg, VA; u ncle, Willie Jackson, Jr. (Mary) of Petersburg, VA.

He was preceded in death by his aunts, Deloris B. Parham and Otelia B. Harrison; uncles, Michael Howard and Samuel "Butch" Howard and his cousin, Tramane Howard.

Herb shared a lifelong brotherhood with his dear friend Anthony "Smoke" Taylor , and held special friendships with Chea Brown and Robert Hill. His presence was a constant in the lives of his Bunker Hill Family, his VSU Blue Family, and the many cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

Though Herb's journey on this earth has ended, the memories, laughter, and love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Services will be held 4:00 P.M., Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1021 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Lamont A. Hobbs, Pastor.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.