Tye D. Howard

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Tye D. Howard, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and pillar of his community. Tye passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on Saturday, September 13, 2025. He was 73 years old.

Born on August 13, 1952, in Ft. Benning, Georgia, to Scott and Frances Howard, Tye was a man defined by his integrity, kindness, and quiet strength. He graduated from Mary Persons High School and attended Georgia Southern University. He furthered his education in Electronics Engineering Technology at DeVry University in Atlanta.

Tye dedicated his professional life to serving others. Tye was in the computer and networking business for over 40 years, primarily concentrating on the southeastern divisions of the Department of Defense and the Department of Engineering network maintenance and upgrades. In addition to other government agencies, he provided valuable experience working with several municipal and county governments. In January of 2008, Tye was elected as Mayor of the City of Forsyth. His meticulous planning and thoughtful execution were instrumental in developing much of the infrastructure that still serves the city today. He approached every project with a deep sense of responsibility and a genuine desire to improve the lives of his fellow citizens.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tye was truly a very fine man whose warmth touched everyone he met. He possessed an unwavering moral compass, a gentle humor, and an extraordinary capacity for patience. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 40 years, Janet Howard, and a steadfast, loving father to his children, Tiffany, CaSondra, Leigh and Terri. Known as “Papa”, he cherished his role as a father, grandfather, and great grandfather finding immense joy in each child at every age.

Tye was an avid reader, golfer and old car buff. He enjoyed Corvair restoration and for many years, participated in the Perry Georgia State Fair driving his restored Corvair. He was a member and past President of the Heart of Georgia Corvair Club. He was also a member and past president of the Forsyth-Monroe County Rotary Club, where he championed various community initiatives, and volunteered countless hours. He served on the Forsyth Monroe County Better Hometown Committee 2004-2005 and a was member of the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce 2002-2011 serving as Chamber Ambassador 2004-2005. Tye was a Leadership Monroe Class Alumni from 2003-2004.

He leaves behind a legacy of quiet dedication, unwavering love, and a life lived with grace and purpose. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but especially by his wife, Janet Howard; his sister, Jackie Lawson; his daughter, Tiffany Dye, and her husband, Keith; his daughter, Leigh Thomas, and her husband, Chris; his daughter, Terri Pershey and her husband, Richard, 17 cherished grandchildren, 12 treasured great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends who were enriched by his presence.

Tye was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, CaSondra McVicker, brother William (Bill) Howard, and brother-in-law, William (Bill) Lawson.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 PM, at the Monroe County Memorial Chapel, located at 86 W. Main Street in Forsyth, Georgia. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Forsyth City Cemetery in Forsyth, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tye's memory to the Monroe County Historical Society, 126 E. Johnston Street, Forsyth, GA 31029 or Huntington’s Disease Society of America (https://hdsa.org), two institutions that were close to his heart.

He enriched the lives of all who knew him. We are so grateful for the time we had with our dear Tye.

Please visit www.monroecountymemorialchapel.com to express your condolences.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel, 86 West Main Street, Forsyth, Georgia, has charge of the arrangements.