Henry Franklin Howell

Henry Franklin Howell of Rural Hall, NC escaped the bonds of his earthy body on April 8, 2021.  Henry was a proud veteran of the US Army.  He served from 1952-1953 in Korea and Greenland.  Henry was a hard-working laborer most of his life, having retired from Chrysler Corporation in 1989 only to periodically take on other jobs to stay busy.  In most recent years, his employer seemed to be his home, his yard, and projects for family and friends.  He loved to stay busy, lend a helping hand, and offer advice.

Henry was born in Ashe County, NC on November 5, 1930 to the late Coy Franklin Howell and Mamie Campbell Howell.  The sixth of ten children, he was greeted in heaven by brother Dave and sisters Iva Lee, Stella, Faye, Mabel and Lettie.  Sisters Esta Goodman of Boone, NC, Lois Baldwin of West Jefferson, NC and brother Jack Howell of Walkertown, NC survive.   

Surviving are two sons, Joe Howell and wife Joni of Columbia, TN and David Howell and wife Tonya of King.  Also surviving are three grandchildren, Marsha Norman and husband Jeremy, Garrett and Jenna Howell; one great-grandson Jackson Norman, step-granddaughter Mindy Doughtie and husband Chris and their children Hannah and Justus.  A special place was held in Henry's heart for nephew Jeff Starkey and daughter Hope of Centreville, MD.

Henry never met a stranger.  You would often find him talking to people he met in public places.  These conversations centered around his military service.  Henry was a proud veteran; he would reminisce about his army days like they were only yesterday.  He was often seen wearing his Korean War Veteran cap whenever he left the house.  If you didn't spot him in town wearing his Korean cap, you may have seen him with his pet parrot, Sammy, perched on his shoulder.

Married three times, Henry was divorced from Dayna Howell of King, the mother of Joe and David.  He was married to Madeline Elburn Howell from 1970 until her death in 2004.  Shirley Held Howell, his third wife, passed in 2018.

A storyteller, tinkerer, and everyone's friend, Henry enjoyed working with his hands, building, repairing, remodeling, painting....  If you needed a repair, or sometimes unsolicited advice Henry was your man.  Oh, the stories!  Telling of Army days, growing up in depression era Ashe County, boating, fishing, Chrysler, teenage shenanigans, and more.  Any willing ear would be blessed with the rich history of Henry's full life. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 15at Bald Mountain Church, 1435 Bald Mountain Road, West Jefferson, NC.  Out of respect for those with COVID-19 concerns, the family is not planning a fellowship meal."
 

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