Otis Gene “Wildman” Howard, age 92 of Maryville, TN passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at The University of Tennessee Medical Center. He was a painter by trade, a loving father and friend. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Howard; parents, Vernon and Penny Darden; brother, Pete Howard, sister, Neva. Survivors include son, Ernie Howard; daughter Kimberly Hampton (Brian); grandchildren, Arielle Williams (Brandon), Braden Hampton; great grandchild, Huxley Williams; nephews, Lane Howard, Stacy Crisp, Terry Crisp; niece, Paulette Brewer; aunt Eula Tipton, Pat Nichols. Special friends, Allen Bowerman; Badboy, Richie, Mike Stevens, Dale Best, Doug, John Ed Mashburn, Billie Tippitt, Doug Hill, Jack and Bennie Lail, Theresa Hill, Mike Hollowfield, Niel from Hardee’s; the guys and girls from Wholesale Supply. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Smith’s Trinity Chapel with a service to follow officiated by Roy Shields. Family and friends will assemble for a graveside service at Grandview Cemetery on March 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service 865-983-1000 www.smithlifeandlegacy.com