David (Bobby) Howell

Published 10:39 pm Tuesday, February 17, 2015

David (Bobby) Howell, 75, of Echols County, died on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015, at his residence following a short illness. This followed several years of declining health.

Born at the Little-Griffin Hospital in Valdosta to the late Earl Lamar and Frankie Howell, and except for a few occasions through the years, he had been a lifelong resident of this area.

Mr. Howell graduated from Echols County High School in 1957, where he played on the basketball team. He then went into the U.S. Army.

Following his stint in the Army, Mr. Howell worked for a number of years for National Linen Service and later on worked for Brockway Standard in Homerville for nearly 20 years.

After his retirement from Brockway, he worked for Carson McLane Funeral Home serving families for several years. This was a job he truly loved. He loved serving the families and working with the staff during those years.

While at Brockway, Mr. Howell was invited to serve on the Board of Directors for Slash Pine EMC in Homerville. This was a responsibility he continued until his death and was currently serving the board as Vice President.

Being outside in the woods was a favorite pastime of Mr. Howell, he loved the excitement of hunting deer with dogs and then later on when his health required it, he settled for still hunting for deer. In his younger years, he was an avid water-skier, and also enjoyed camping. A faithful and supporting member of his church, Macedonia Baptist Church, he was a deacon and helped oversee the cemetery.  

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Montez Howell of Echols County, son and daughter-in-law, Lavon and Marcia Howell of Valdosta; daughter and son-in-law, Lynnette and Tony Martin of Echols County; five grandchildren, Jeannie (Joshua) Nation, of Ramstein, Germany, Lacia Howell of Echols County, Shane (Nikki) Howell of Lake Park, Rondha (Ryan) Fornes of Lake Park and Amanda Wilson of Valdosta; two brothers and sister-in-law, Walter and Brenda Howell of Valdosta, Donald Howell of Echols County; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and  Don Studstill of Andalusia, Ala.; and a sister-in-law, Susie Howell of Echols County. Also surviving are 11 great-grandchildren, Gage Weaver, Brailey Weaver, Brandon Weaver, Skyler Howell, Colton Howell, Rylan Howell, Bryce Taylor, Cason Fornes, Mason Gray, Broxton Gray, and Jennings Nation; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Howell was preceded in death by his grandson, Brandon Weaver; his brother, Ollie Howell; and a sister, Beadie Ireen Howell.

The family is grateful for the assistance provided by Halcyon Hospice during their time of need.

A funeral for Mr. Howell will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at Macedonia Baptist Church. The Rev. Wayne Boykin and the Rev. Jim Countryman will officiate. Burial will follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home in Valdosta.

Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com — Carson McLane Funeral Home