Howell W Lehning Jr.

Howell Warner Lehning Jr., lovingly known as "Buddy," of Nashville, Tennessee, passed peacefully from his earthly life into his heavenly home on December 27, 2024. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Buddy’s life was a testament to love, faith, and dedication to family and community.

Buddy was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Joy (stillborn); his son, Owen Warner Lehning; and his parents, Howell Warner Lehning Sr. and Royellen Porter Lehning. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his children, Tim Lehning (Joan) and Peggye Moss (Don); his grandchildren, Kellye Carman (Jeff), Al Moss, Sandy Hopkins (Aidan), Hank Lehning, Maggie Lehning, and David Lehning; his great-grandchildren, Oynn Rose Carman, Waylen Carman, Gunnar Carman, and Lux Hopkins; and his sister, Emily Wilson.

Buddy was born at home on August 31, 1931. His parents’ East Nashville home was adjacent to the Shelby Park Golf Course, where Buddy would go on to enjoy countless rounds of golf with friends Joe Williams, Morris Ferguson, and many others over the years. Even before honing his golf skills, Buddy began helping with the family business, Lehning Bros. Grocery. By the age of ten, he was cartoning eggs, weighing beans, and accompanying his father to the Saturday produce market.

Buddy began dating the love of his life, Carolyn, when they were both students at MTSU. They married at Lockeland Baptist Church in East Nashville on December 29, 1953. The couple celebrated their seventieth wedding anniversary in December 2023 and were just two days shy of their seventy-first anniversary at Buddy’s passing.

Buddy’s education began at Lockeland Elementary School, where he served as captain of the patrol boys, and continued at East High School, where he was senior class vice president and twice president of the Civitan Club. He joined the ROTC in high school and later attended MTSU, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the ROTC program. After graduating, he served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army.

Upon returning to Nashville, Buddy managed Lehning Bros. Grocery alongside his father for twenty-nine years. Known for his friendliness and dedication, Buddy rarely took a sick day or vacation during that time. The store was a hub of community life, frequented by locals and country music stars alike, thanks to its proximity to Woodland Sound Studios. After the store closed, Buddy’s close friend, Mayor Dick Fulton, encouraged him to join Metro Government, where Buddy led the Business Tax Department until retiring at age sixty-five.

Buddy’s faith was central to his life. During junior high school, he made the life-changing decision to follow Christ and was baptized at Lockeland Baptist Church. This church became the heart of his spiritual life, where he celebrated his wedding to Carolyn, raised his three children, and served as a deacon. Later, Buddy and Carolyn moved their membership to Two Rivers Baptist Church.

Golfing with friends, traveling with Carolyn, and spending time with family brought Buddy immense joy. Among his fondest memories was a Caribbean cruise gifted by his children for his twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. His deep bond with his special-needs grandson, Al, whom he lovingly cared for until his health declined, exemplified his selfless spirit.

Visitation will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Thursday, January 2 from 10:00 - 12:00 noon, followed by a service celebrating Buddy’s life at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be sent to Lockeland Baptist Church, 1601 Holly St, Nashville, TN 37206.

Buddy will be deeply missed, but his enduring love and example will continue to inspire and guide those who knew him.

Howell will be laid to rest in Masonic Garden, Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 1150 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, Tennessee.