Ronald Howell

On January 1, 2018, the Lord called home a good and faithful servant. Ronald Luther Howell, 70, passed away peacefully in his sleep following a heart attack.He was pre-deceased by his parents, Theda Luther Howell and Homer Charlton Howell, his wife of 16 years, Suzanne Hartman Howell, and his sister, Janice Rhea Howell. He is survived by his wife of 31years, Jill Sterling Howell of Union City, Tennessee, his brother Michael Howell of Branson, Missouri, and his four children and seven grandchildren: Heather (Danny), Howell, and Betsy Hart Wright; Melissa (Stephen), Eliza, and Davis Williams; Chris (Ann), Cooper, Deacon, and Henry Howell; and Caroline Howell.Ron graduated from Stratford High School as part of the first graduating class in 1965 and from the University of Tennessee in 1969, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Ron's friends from Stratford and UT were a constant source of joy throughout the past 50 years and provided lots of material for Ron's legendary storytelling. Ron loved life and brought a light to all those around him. Ron was an amazing father and grandfather who faithfully coached teams, attended dance recitals and performances, and provided a steady stream of advice and support.
Ron will be remembered for his love of all sports, especially golf, college football, and his beloved Tennessee Volunteers, for his amazing story-telling ability, for his sage wisdom, and for his quick wit. We will miss him dearly.The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 6, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Baptist Church. A memorial service celebrating Ron's life will follow immediately after visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Justice and Mercy International.