James Robert Howell

James Robert Howell, age 90, of Taylorsville,  departed his earthly life to enter into the gateway of paradise to live with his Heavenly Father forever on Friday, May 28, 2021.  James was born On October 25, 1930 to the late Ruby Howell and the late Issac Carlton.  He was married to the late Henrietta Howell who preceded him in death on July 3, 2019 after 64 years of marriage.  He was a graduate of Happy Plains High School and A & T University where he majored in Horticulture.  Mr. Howell also served in the US Air Force.

He joined St. John Baptist Church at an early age and remained until his death.  He served as superintendent of Sunday school for 44 years, and served as a deacon for more than 60 years including holding the position as chairman.  He also served as President of the Senior Choir and an advisor to the youth/Gospel Choir, President of the Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir for 27 years.  He served many years on the executive board of the Yadkin Valley Missionary Baptist Association.  Mr. Howell served as president of the Howell-Carlton Reunion Committee for nearly 30 years and was a charter member.  Mr. Howell was a member of the Stone Pillar Lodge, 33 degree Worship Master of the Stone Pillar Lodge and was the Worthy Patron of the Solid Rock Chapter of the Eastern Stars.

Mr. Howell worked at Broyhill Furniture in Newton for 45 ½ years and was presented with a grandfather clock for averaging ½ day out of work per year.  After his retirement from Broyhill, he accepted a part time job at the Taylorsville KFC and worked there for 8 years.  In addition, he served on the advisory board for Taylorsville Elementary School with the former Principal Darryl Moffitt.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry Pete Howell, infant Paul Howell, Howard Carlton, Ted Carlton, Roy Carlton and John Jack Rogers; his sisters, Louise H. Hill, Mary E. Carlton, Loraine Grimes, Ruth Howell Parsons and Sadie Howell Vannoy; an infant grandson Kevin Brent Howell.

Those left to cherish his memories include his daughter, Karen Howell with who he made his home after the death of his wife, a son Kelvin Howell (Gerri); special adopted sons, Dr. Harlan Hicks, Daryl Davidson and Dr. CJ Foulks, Billy Frye (Karen) of Claremont; grandchildren, Sherika Howell, Marsha H. Gray (Kent) Janel Howell, Patrick Howell and Alishia Lackey; great-grandchildren, Hezekiah Tucker and Josh “Peanut” Brown; three brothers, Ralph Carlton, Robert (Diane) Carlton, of Boomer; sisters;  Ernestine C. Surratt (Morris) Lula Carlton and Dorothy C. Saner all of Boomer; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral will be conducted on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home Chapel with full military honors to follow the service by the Alexander County Veterans Honor Guard.  The body will lie-in-state on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 1-8 p.m.  Due to Covid, Taylorsville Presbyterian Church will serve as an overflow for those who would like to attend the funeral on Saturday. The family requests that for the safety of others that mask be worn while attending the service. The funeral will be conducted by Rev. Jeffrey Miller, officiating, Pastor Paul Sink, Rev. Mark Sharpe, Rev. William Little and Rev. Frank Butler will perform the eulogy. Mr. Howell will be buried in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to: www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and cremation services are honored to be serving the family of James Robert Howell.

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