Gerald D. Howell, 68, of Cherryville passed away
February 2, 2009 surrounded by his loving family and friends after a
long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born October 25, 1940 in
Gaston County.
Gerald grew up as a hard worker who always provided well for his
family. He loved the land and never grew tired of planting his garden
and watching things grow. He loved to fish and tend to his beef cattle
and be a part of the great outdoors. Gerald was a graduate of Tryon
High School. He served his country for two years in the U.S. Army and
six years in the National Guard. He was the sole owner of Howell
Masonry and took a lot of pride in satisfactorily completing a job.
Gerald was a mason and belonged to the Cherryville Lodge 505. He was
also a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church of Cherryville. He was a
member of Tryon Optimist Club and sponsored Dixie Youth Baseball for
over thirty years. Gerald was an honest dependable man who will be
sorely missed by his family and friends who know that “their loss is
heaven’s gain”.
Gerald’s survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 33 years,
Ellen F. Howell of the home, his son “his pride and joy” John F. Howell
and wife Louise of Dallas, three grandchildren, Jason, Jasmine and
Madison of Dallas. Brothers, Quay Howell and wife Judy, Lynn Howell and
wife Shirley all of Cherryville, Sister, Phyllis H. Brewer and husband
Scott of Lansing, Michigan, mother-in-law Louise A. Farnsworth of Kings
Mountain, brother-in-law Sam David Farnsworth and wife Barbara of
Lincolnton, sister-in-law Kay F. Henderson and husband Randy of
Cherryville, Aunt Nettie Wright and Uncle Ray Warlick of Kings Mountain
and a number of nieces and nephews. Also, Kelly Dawkins, special
“adopted daughter and close friend of the family” of Cherryville.
The family wishes to especially thank Violet Smith for all of her
help during Gerald’s illness as well as Hospice of Gaston County for
their kindness and care.
Preceded in death by Father, J.F. (Pop) Howell, Sr. and Mother,
Bertie Mae Howell, Uncle J.W. Warlick, special uncle, Dick Farnsworth.
Memorial service Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 3:00 PM at Shady Grove Baptist Church with Dr. Tony Fulbright, Dr.
Bill Lowe and Rev. Tim Robbins officiating. Inurnment following the
service in Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive
friends Tuesday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Carpenter’s Funeral Home.
Memorials may be sent to Shady Grove Baptist Church, 3240 Tryon
Courthouse Road, Cherryville, NC 28021 or Hospice of Gaston County, 258
E. Garrison Blvd. Gastonia, NC 28054
Condolences to www.carpentersfuneralhome.net
