Dr. Pierce Johnson “Opa” Howard
August 7, 1941 ~ January 18, 2026
Yes, he was an Eagle Scout. Sure, he graduated from Davidson University and got a Ph.D. at UNC-Chapel Hill. And OK, there were the 20 books he wrote, preceded by his extraordinary pivot from local education to the global business world in the 1980s.
But the depth of Pierce went far beyond those accolades, which are too many to cite.
His mind was hungry. He had no patience for small talk or pop culture, often showing his disdain for Philistine chit-chat by crossing his arms and pouting. He read six books at the same time, lining them with post-its and scribbling in the margins. A passionate musician, he played 35 instruments, with a special affection for recorders. His idea of a pin-up girl was Wanda Landowska, the Polish harpsichordist.
He wore a hot sauce holster to restaurants. He kept a spreadsheet detailing the best French onion soups in Charlotte, breaking them down by richness of the broth, caramelization of the onions, taste of the cheese, sour chewiness of the bread, among other categories. (The one from La Belle Helene got the top score. You’re welcome.) He made beef stroganoff on a rusty Colemon stove for a bunch of eight-year-old girls in the mountains. He recreated Timpano, a Southern Italian dish, after watching the film “Big Night,” starring Stanley Tucci. He has read all of Mr. Tucci’s books, by the way.
When a certain teenage daughter called him from jail, instead of getting angry, he told her, “You are joining a vaunted list of some of America’s greatest patriots.”
He coached the first girls’ soccer team in Charlotte, where he also helped to pioneer the city’s first progressive, inclusive education model. He refused to join country clubs in the 1970s, calling them racist and dangerously conservative. A true Tar Heel, he lived for Eastern NC-style barbecue and UNC basketball. He was a regular at church not for the sermons, but for the choral music.
His community was the choir, where he met his soul mate, Jane Mitchell Howard. Together, they started a consulting group, the Center for Applied Cognitive Studies (CentACS), which was renamed when they sold it in 2017. Pierce and Jane developed a personality test called the Workplace Big Five Profile, which is now used by businesses all over the world.
Born in Kinston, N.C., Pierce was the youngest of seven, who were all, on average, 20 years his senior. Having older siblings meant that he had more in common with the Greatest Generation than he did with the Boomers. When his contemporaries were rocking out to Jimi Hendrix, Pierce was blasting Bach. When they were protesting the Vietnam War, Pierce was performing military intelligence in Germany (and also playing recorder in a local chamber music group).
Family was a top priority for Pierce, who obsessively researched his ancestry and mandated reunions every other year. After a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer, he leaves behind his wife, Jane, daughter Allegra Blythe Howard Hinson (Charlotte), grandsons William Carl “Liam” Hinson V (Greensboro) and Rowan Pierce Hinson (Asheville), daughter Hilary Howard (New York, New York), grandson Callum Kane Leftwich Murphy (New Paltz, N.Y.) granddaughter Allegra Jean Righteous Murphy (New York, N.Y.) and too many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews to name.
In 1997, Pierce’s career reached its commercial zenith when he published his book, “The Owner’s Manual for the Brain,” and Oprah Winfrey invited him on her show to discuss how to hold on to special memories in such a fast-paced, content-heavy world.
“We can stop, take a deep breath, and smell the roses,” he said. “We can stop and consciously say, ‘I want to soak this in. I want to drink deeply of this experience.’”
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Pierce may be made to Bach Charlotte or Room in the Inn.
Services are still pending.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Pierce, along with his wife, Jane, hosted the local OD Network (CODNET) meetings for years. Those meetings were always interactive & engaging. Which created a lively community of OD practitioners. And, inspired my Queens University capstone project to extend a local network. Pierce & Jane are a wonderful example of exploring & implementing interests to the max. I will miss you, Pierce.
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Rest in peace dear friend. Memories of Open School and a sweet friendship. You have been one of the most productive and creative people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.
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I was certified by Jane in the WPB5 more than 10 years ago and had the privilege of meeting and dining with both Pierce and Jane during that week. They are both remarkable individuals and I am sorry that Jane has lost her soul mate, life and work partner. The obit written is a true testament to what a creative, unique, talented and brilliant person that was Pierce. I do a bike ride every year to benefit cancer research and will place his name on my jersey with those that battle this disease and those we have lost. My heart goes out to you Jane, Emily
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Pierce was a dynamic, brilliant and thoughtful colleague who enhanced our lives and our impact in our profession. What he and Jane built and shared over the years is a legacy which will remain with us. Holding you all in our hearts.
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When I joined the Carolina's Organization Development Network (CODNET) in 2002, I was welcomed by Pierce and Jane and found friends, mentors and intelligent companions. Pierce reminded me more than once that when the Jewish congregation was forming at Temple Beth El, he and Jane and others from the Charlotte Choral group were more than pleased to bring music to the Kol Nidre services held on Yom Kippur eve. Pierce's intelligence was only surpassed by his joy for music, friendship and dinners with friends. I recall a special dinner across from the Meyers Park Church when the newest organ was installed and Pierce and others untangled the complex stories involved in finding a home for the old organ before the new organ could be purchased and installed. In many ways, Pierce was a true Renaissance Man who loved learning. He left those he met sharper and brighter than before. At one dinner outing in early December when rambunctious children were giving their moms a hard time, Pierce let out a very loud, room-filling "Ho, Ho, Ho!", getting everyone's attention, a nod and a wink from their mothers, and immediate compliant attention from the rapscallions who quickly cleaned up their act. And I am sure that was not the first nor the last time he used this Holiday wizardry. Our lives are richer for knowing, studying, and working with Pierce. Heart felt condolences to Jane and the entire clan. May Pierce's memory be a blessing. Matt.Sadinsky@prepintl.com
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Pierce was an absolute delight! When I shared with him, how amazing I thought the owners manual to the brain was, he delighted in sending me other books he’d written, and he even guessed spoke at my MSEL class at University of San Diego. He was a gem, a genius, a kind and enthusiastic, innovative, mentor to all, and just truly one of the nicest people I ever met. Love to you, Jane and it was always so delightful to hear how much he loved you prayers and strength to his fabulous family.
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Dr. Howard was one of my professors at Queens. He was always provocative, challenging in the best way, and curious. He delighted in vigorous conversation and debate. His mischievous “Merlin” smile encouraging the banter. His joy in learning and teaching never wavered. He and Jane challenged us to balk at status quo and push on. I will be forever grateful for his influence in my life. To the many who grieve his passing I wish you comfort.
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I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Howard’s passing. I was just thinking of him fondly the other day as I was in his recorder group while as a student of his at West Charlotte High School in the late 1970’s. It was a privilege to have known and been inspired by him. I still play recorder/clarinet and am a professor in NC, and I learned how to be a passionate teacher from him. He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed.
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I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Howard's passing. I only knew him for a short amount of time while getting my MSOD and Coaching certificate at Queen's - he was brilliant and I enjoyed his challenging conversations and questions. RIP.
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Jane, I am shocked and saddened by Pierce’s death. I truly believed he would outlive us all. He was absolutely one of a kind- brilliant, talented, witty, and so kind. I have missed both of you since our choir days together- memories I will always cherish. May God give you grace and peace.
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