April 17, 1938 – June 21, 2026
Hilton Head Island, SC – Jesse Granville Howard Jr., a long-time resident of the Hilton Head Island community and a respected real estate professional, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born on April 17, 1938, in Baltimore, Maryland, Jesse led a life marked by resilience, hard work, and service. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard.
After completing his service, Jesse embarked on a successful career as a real estate agent. In the 70’s and 80’s, he sold real estate in the burgeoning HHI market for several resorts, including Palmetto Dunes, The Island Club, HH Beach and Tennis. His career took to him to several other states, but he returned to Hilton Head because he and his wife, Freda, had grown to love the island and all it offered.
Jesse loved to golf, but he also loved to sing and perform. Hilton Head provided easy access to great golf courses, as well as the opportunity to perform in the local theater’s musical productions.
In his retirement, he joined the crew of the Island Queen as the first mate, giving dolphin tours of Broad Creek. He also drove for the Diamond Transportation limo service. Jesse was an entertainer at heart and these jobs allowed him to interact with people, sharing the island’s beauty and unique qualities, along with great stories.
Jesse is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Freda; two of his siblings, Shirley Abrisch and William Howard; his three children Robin Ivins, Jesse Howard III, and Mary Davis, as well as his step-daughter Patricia Hardcastle; and grandchildren, Joshua, Ruth, Benjamin, Jesse IV, David, Elizabeth, Laura, Gabriel, and Trevor.
He was preceded in death by the following: his father, Jesse Granville Howard Sr.; his mother, Edith Howard;and three siblings: David, Elizabeth, and Joan.
Arrangements for Jesse have been respectfully entrusted to Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center. Jesse will be remembered for his service, his professional accomplishments, and most importantly, for the love and warmth he brought into the lives of those he encountered.
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Mary Howard
Robin, Jesse, Mary and Patricia, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your extended family at this most difficult time. We pray you all will feel the presence of our Lord and Savior and you will! Love you all, Mary Howard and as Jesse would say, my little brother – Bill.
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