But his mother said that when Randy Howard was not making people happy by playing the music he loved, he was cracking jokes to get the same effect.

At the time of his passing in June 1999, longtime friend and accompanist Sandy Dimon of Milledgeville said that Howard taught her several life lessons that can benefit us all: “When you have found your life’s work, do it well. Have fun. Remember your friends. Know who they are. Brag, if you must, on yourself, not on your connections. Enjoy a good meal. Face your troubles with humor, underpinned by strength and courage.”