Remembering Chat Howard Jr.

John Chatham Howard, Jr. “Chat”  passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loved ones on October 4, 2023.

Chat was known for founding Sandpiper Supply in Savannah, Georgia in 1977. He and his wife, Carol, ran the award-winning company and eventually welcomed into the business their children, Christy Ellis and Chad Howard III, who is currently the company President and who was the 2022 President of the Southern Wholesalers Association (SWA).

A native of Savannah, Chat graduated from Savannah High School in 1960 and then served in the US Coast Guard Reserves. He then began his career in plumbing supplies with PlumRite before founding Sandpiper Supply. 

Chat was also very active in the Irish Community of Savannah and was an integral part of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade there for 40 years. He was also a Past President of the Irish Heritage Society and a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

Chat was an active member of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist where he served for many years as a head usher. He was the recipient of the Bishop Gartland Award from the Savannah Diocese for his gracious service to his parish and the diocese.

Of Irish heritage, Chat also enjoyed visiting Ireland and often played the Jameson Golf Tournament there.

Chat is survived by his loving and patient wife of 54 years, Carol, their children and grandchildren, as well as his sister and nephew. Spending time with his grandchildren was cited as Chat’s “favorite second career.”

Southern PHC would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the Howard family. 

For further details regarding services and condolences, visit Fox & Weeks, who is serving the family.