Ralph Cecil Howell

He was married to Barbara Muse Howell whom he met while stationed at Cherry Point, NC, serving in the USMC. They settled in New Bern in 1960. They had a love for each other and were married for 63 years.

He had three daughters: Karen Owen (Tim) of Ashland City, TN, Mindy Howell of Chapmansboro, TN, and Robin Howell of New Bern, NC. He is survived by one brother, Gregory Howell (Debbie), one sister Nancy Foor (Jim), and four grandchildren: Jared Owen (Jacquelyn), John Owen (Kelly), Joel Owen (Morgan) and Jessie Owen; two great grandchildren: Preston Owen and Wesley Owen; Susan Hopkins, special friend of the family; and several nieces and nephews.

Ralph worked at Coleman Ford as a service mechanic for 8½ years before going to Texas Gulf Chemical Plant (now Nutrien) in 1968, and spent 27½ years there before retiring in February 1996. He started off as a Service Mechanic for 4½ years, then promoted to Maintenance Foreman until being promoted to Maintenance General Foreman for the last 11 years.

He was a faithful member of Sherwood Forest Free Will Baptist Church having served as a Trustee for many years, Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer and on the Budget Committee.

Ralph was always busy doing the things needed around the house and he loved to golf with his golf buddies.

He was a die-hard Steelers fan as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes and UNC college basketball.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sherwood Forest FWB Church.

Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023 at Sherwood Forest FWB Church with the service following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Greenleaf Memorial Cemetery.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Ralph Howell.