Mr. Howell was born Wednesday, May 23, 1935 in McNairy County, TN, the son of the late Elmer Curtis and Etha Ora Whitley Howell. He was married to the late Lucy Cofer Howell, who passed away October 19, 2001. For over 31 years, he was a mechanic for MATA and served 8 years in the TN National Guard. Mr. Howell lived 52 years in Memphis and also lived for a short time in Detroit, MI. He had lived in Hardeman County since 2007. In his leisure time, he enjoyed woodworking, hand guns and hand gun clubs. He attended Dixie Hills Baptist Church.
His survivors include his companion, Yvette King of Bolivar; two daughters, Stephanie Rook and Cindy Howell, both of Memphis; and two sisters, Bobbie Yopp and Barbara Therrell, both of Selmer, TN.
Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or LeBonheur Children's Hospital.