James Harlon Howell

James Harlon Howell was born in Randolph County, Alabama on April 27, 1928, to his loving parents David and Minnie Howell. He was an only child and they loved him beyond measure. He departed this life at the age of 93 on December 13, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Annie Pearl Brown Howell, who passed away less than a month ago on November 17th, his parents and his only son, Ryan Howell.

He is survived by his four daughters and favorite daughter-in-law: Melondy Snider, Sandy Howell, Angela Wallace (Steve), Donna Bryan (Mike) and Janet Benson (Craig). He was affectionately called “PePaw” by his 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren: Grandchildren: Lexie Bean (Nate), Beth Ruzicka (Pete), Zac Snider (Taylor), Lauren Martin (Matt), Brittany Robertson (Daniel), Andrea Colvin (Ben), Blake Wallace (Heather), Jana Walls (Kent), Jackson Bryan, Aymarie Bryan, Alaina Bryan, Melinda Dyson (Daniel), Caroline Culbertson (Colby) and Victoria Benson. Great Grandchildren: Emma Bean, Addie Butler, Mack Bean, Declan Ruzicka, Nolan Ruzicka, Remi Snider, Natalie Rohrer (Storm), Maya Robertson, Ivan Robertson, Noah Martin, Kendall Wallace, Carter Wallace, Caden Wallace, Audrey Walls, KC Walls, Lynleigh Dyson, Maddox Dyson and Claire Culbertson. He is also survived by his nephew, Jerry Albright, and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Harlon left a legacy of lifelong devotion to the Lord and his family. He was introduced to the Lord’s Church by his wife, Annie Pearl, and was baptized in 1959 where he remained a faithful member of the Church of Christ for over 62 years, 59 of those years as a member of the Church of Christ at Crescent Ridge in Irondale. Hand in hand with Annie Pearl they worked together side by side to dedicate their lives as servants of God and there remained faithful until God called them home. He loved the work of the Lord’s church and it was his goal to “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. His mission in life was to reach as many people as he could to ensure that the Word of God was spread. He worked hard to provide for his family, sometimes working two jobs to make sure that his family had what they needed to have a comfortable life. He made the living and Annie Pearl was the homemaker. It was a marriage that stood the test of time and never wavered because of the unconditional love and respect they had for each other. Most of all he loved his grands and great grands! When they came to visit he always made sure to hold them in his lap and feed the little ones from his plate. There were always popsicles in the freezer and the younger kids would grab him by the hand and lead him to the freezer to get one. They were the light of his life.

Harlon was a quiet and patient man who touched many lives by his example as a Christian, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and cousin. His family is amazed at the lives he touched by the many messages they have received after his passing. He will be missed dearly but his testament will live on through all that knew and loved him. We have the hope in knowing that he and his bride are now holding hands again and embracing their son Ryan in that place that we all long to go one day.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutstrussvillechapel.com for the Howell family.