Ralph Elmo Howell Sr.

Ralph Howell, age 90, of Bassett died on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Blue Ridge Nursing Home of Stuart, Virginia. Mr. Howell was born October 19, 1924 in Lynchburg, VA to Elmo Whitfield Howell and Antholene Plybon Howell, who preceded him in death. Mr. Howell was the owner and operator of Howell’s garage for over 40 years. He had served in The United States Navy during World War II. He served in the Pacific Theatre and was injured and received The Purple Heart. He served on The USS Starlight and the USS Zaniah. He was in the Battle of The Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa. He was a member of the American Legion for over 60 years. He was an honorary lifelong member of Patrick Henry Fire Department where he served as Engineer for several years. Mr. Howell was also a member of Blackberry Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife: Inez Koger Howell and two sisters: Elizabeth Stamper and Betty Lee Mowen. He is survived by his wife: Helen Reynolds Howell of the home; two sons: Ralph E. Howell, Jr., and his wife, Lynne, of Stuart, and Rodney Howell and his wife, Faye, of Bassett; two step-sons: Michael Roop of Patrick Springs, and Cliff Roop of Patrick Springs, VA; a step-daughter: Candice Collins of Patrick Springs, VA; a sister: Ruth Prillaman and her husband, Wythe, of Wirtz, VA; seven grandchildren: Niki Francisco and her husband, Shannon, of Kernersville, NC; Dan Howell and his wife, Melissa of Bassett; Jennifer Foley of Belews Creek, NC; Meredith Howell of Winston Salem, NC; Kristi Howell and husband, Kevin Wampler of Collinsville, VA; Kimberly Cates and her husband, Charles of Arlington, VA ; and Luke Howell of Raleigh, NC; 1 step-granddaughter: Alex Collins, of Patrick Springs, VA, and 13 great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Collins Funeral Home, Bassett and other times at the home. The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Collins Funeral Home, Bassett, with Rev. David Keaton officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Burial Park. Memorial Contributions may be made to Patrick Henry Fire Department, 3024 County Line Road, Patrick Springs, VA 24133 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Online condolences may be made at www.collinsmckeeestonebassett.com