Howard Lawrence Stringer

This community lost a treasure when Howard Stringer, a prominent Nashville community leader, died on March 25, 2017 on his 87th birthday. Howard was a brilliant businessman with a tough shell, pitch-perfect wit, and a heart of gold.

Howard is survived by his wife, Hope Stringer. He was so proud of her, he often greeted strangers by saying “Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Mr. Hope Stringer.”

He is also survived by brothers James (Bonnie) Friedman and Monte (Trina) Friedman and children Bonnie Stringer, Wendy Brooks, Brett Stringer, Gregg Stringer and Holly (Steve) Schmadeke of Denver. Additionally, Howard leaves five grandchildren Noah (Alison) Brooks, Anna Catherine Brooks, Miriam Brooks, Aaron Schmadeke, Grant Schmadeke. Howard is predeceased by his mother, Kate Friedman and brother, Edward Stringer.

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Howard was born on March 25, 1930 and graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology in NY where he majored in Industrial Engineering and Business Administration. Later, as an alumnus, he was awarded the Henry C. Ritter Award for outstanding career accomplishments by the Fashion Institute of Technology. He rounded out his education by attending Brooklyn College prior to serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

With keen strategic ability and spontaneous charisma, Howard Stringer led a highly successful business career, having served as president and chairman of Colonial Corporation of America. During his tenure, the apparel manufacturing company located twenty of its forty factories in Tennessee where Howard was instrumental in integrating the workforce.

Howard came to Nashville and Middle Tennessee because of work. But he fell in love with this community and set about, after retirement, not only to make it his own, but to make it better. And, as in the rest of his life, he succeeded brilliantly.

Howard always said of his volunteer efforts that “when people know you will work for free, you are always in demand.” And, as the lore of his volunteer work spread, he was never without a project or two or three. He shared his time and business expertise with non-profits including, The Nashville Symphony, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the Legal Aid Society, the Sexual Assault Center, Alive Hospice, Health Assist Tennessee, the Nashville Ballet, Grace M. Eaton Day Care and Early Learning Center, and the Mayor’s Committee on Early Childhood Education.

In all things, Howard Stringer was exuberant. Intensely curious and always engaged, he had a profound interest in people and gained happiness from lighting up the lives of others. Howard will be missed by the dozens of nonprofits who benefited from his work, his wisdom, and his wit. And his joie de vivre will be forever imprinted on all who knew him.

Howard’s life will be celebrated at Congregation Micah (2001 Old Hickory Blvd, Brentwood, TN 37027) on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 3 pm with a reception to follow.

Contributions in his memory may be made to

Congregation Micah, 2001 Old Hickory Blvd, Brentwood, TN 37027 congregationmicah.org

The Community Foundation of Middle TN 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, Nashville TN 37215 Cfmt.org

Alive Hospice 1718 Patterson St, Nashville, TN 37203 www.alivehospice.org.