Mr. Ray Albert Howell, age 80 of Elkin, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2014. Mr. Howell was born September 30, 1934 in Wilkes County to Gaither and Hazel Cook Howell. He retired from the United States Postal Service with 39 ½ years of service and served as Postmaster of Ronda Post Office for 27 years. Mr. Howell was a dedicated member of Maple Springs United Methodist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, lay leader, and committee member. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Doris Ann Howell. Survivors include: his wife of 61 years, Barbara S. Howell of the home; sons, Michael Howell and his wife Teresa and Mark Howell and his wife Melissa; daughter Joyce Hagaman and her husband Ted; grandchildren Heather Suther and her husband Jonathan, Holly Hadgraft and her husband Iain, Joy Hughes and her husband Thomas, Matt Hagaman and his wife Susan, Brad Hagaman and his wife Dawn Dee, Anna Conley and her husband Patrick, Austin Howell and Rossi Howell; great grandchildren, Samantha Suther, Rowan Hughes, baby girl Hughes due November 20th, Maggie Hagaman, Ian Hagaman and Walton Hagaman; brother, Bill Howell and his wife Edna; special friends, Robert Craig, Jimmie Harris, Steve Thomas, and Buddy Willis, and many extended family members. A graveside service will be conducted Monday, October 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Maple Springs United Methodist Church cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the church with Rev. Rex Cranfill and Rev. Mark Smith officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service in the church fellowship hall. The family requests in lieu of flowers or food that memorials be made to Maple Springs United Methodist Church, PO Box 187, Ronda, NC 28670. The family would like to thank Mountain Valley Hospice, Dr. Paul Gulley, the staff of Care South and caregivers, Lori Speagle, Tamara Kirkbride, Melanie Hagerthy, Selena Andrews, Ashley Hobson, Amy Brown, Sharon Mooney, Kathy Freeman, Lori Fowler, Cody Vestal, Marissa Perrin and Sonya Wooten for their care.
