Randy "Opie" Howard

The department and world lost a good man, a good friend to many, a faithful husband, and a loving father on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Charles R. Howard, better known as "Opie" to his friends, passed away suddenly of natural causes.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Maria G. Howard; cherished daughter Sarah Grace Howard; sister Kimberly Faye Chandler (Dr. Alan Chandler); niece Savannah Chandler; and his faithful companions, dog Rocky, cat Cinder, and grand puppy Winnie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara Faye and Gregory C. Howard and Uncle Charles W. Howard.

Randy retired from the Hanover Sheriff's Office, was a member of the Hanover Baptist Church, Ashland Fire Company Volunteer Fire, Ammon and Bullfield Hunt Clubs, Ferrum College, and Fraternal Order of Police- Hanover.

Randy began his public service career as a young adult working at Kings Dominion, joining Hanover Fire Station 5 in the early 1980s and transferring to Ashland Station 1 in the late 1980s, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief. While volunteering in the fire service, his career with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office accelerated, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. Ultimately, he was forced to retire from both careers, which he dearly loved, some 18 years ago due to a sudden medical condition. Over the past 18 years, his love for both and its members never faded. He was known to make a random call to check in and offer updates on his wife and daughter. Whenever you received that call, he would leave you laughing from his dry wit and humor, or shaking your head from his stories.

Randy LIVED LIFE to its fullest and loved fiercely. He was a faithful servant of God and believed in his faith.

Relatives and friends are invited to Randy's visitation at Hanover Baptist Church, 11239 Cedar Lane, Glen Allen, VA, on Friday, June 13, from 5-8 PM. A Celebration of Randy's Life will be held at First Baptist Church, 800 Thompson St., Ashland, VA, on Saturday, June 14 at 1 PM. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police, P.O. Box 1054, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, hatchercolefop38.com, click "Donate Here," or Ashland Fire Company, P.O. Box 491, Ashland, VA 23005.