Howard was born in Houston, Texas on January 28th, 1958. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1976 and received his Bachelor of Science in Building Construction at Clemson University in 1980. In 1986, his first son, Mark, was born and in 1987, his only daughter, Allison, was born. He was a loving father, husband and friend. Growing up, Howard always had an incredible drive to be successful. At the age of 31, he started his own commercial painting company, Mecklenburg Paint. He built both the company and the building from the ground up. Being a successful business owner but also an endearing family man meant Howard always treated his clients with the utmost respect. Howard met Liz and they were married on September 10th, 1994. Their son, Ben, was born in 1997 and completed the Etheredge family tree! Liz became majority owner of Mecklenburg Paint in 2009, proudly making
Mecklenburg Paint a Woman-Owned Business.

On July 29th, 2018, Howard sadly lost his two-year battle with cancer. His clients, his employees, his friends and his family can attest to making incredible memories with him over his 60 short years. Howard had a passion for the outdoors, including fishing, hunting, golfing, hiking, biking, snow skiing and traveling the world. He had the best smile and the most genuine personality. Anyone who knew him, also knew his deep love for his Clemson Tigers! We all miss him terribly. Thank you to our many clients and friends who have made such an incredible impact in our lives.

Annual Scholarships

In 2018, Mecklenburg Paint Company started two annual scholarships in Howard’s honor at Clemson University.

The Howard Etheredge Annual Memorial Scholarship for $10,000. The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships to students majoring in Construction Science and Management (CSM), or its successor. The Clemson University Scholarship Office shall make scholarship selections based on Clemson University policies and procedures. It will be awarded to a student pursuing a degree in Construction Science and Management at Clemson University.

The Howard Etheredge Annual Memorial Grant in Aid for $6,000. The purpose of this fund is to provide grant-in-aid to students who are enrolling or enrolled in the ClemsonLIFE program or its successor. Student selection will be made following the Clemson University Policies for Administering Grants-in-Aid with the Financial Aid Office assuming administrative responsibilities. It will be awarded to a student in ClemsonLIFE, a program designed for students with intellectual disabilities who desire a postsecondary experience on a college campus.

Howard had a big heart and would be so proud that his company and family support these programs.