Henry Howell, Jr.

Henry Tillman Howell, Jr.

Lilly, GA –                  Henry Tillman Howell Jr., 80, loving husband of 50 years to Jackie Smith Akridge Howell, peacefully entered into his eternal rest Friday night, December 10, 2021 at his residence. Services to celebrate his life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 14, 2021 with Rev. John A. Jenkins officiating.  Interment will follow in the Wrens Memorial Cemetery.

Because of the family’s respect and concern for public health and safety during this COVID-19 pandemic, the family requests that social distancing and other safety precautions be followed.  The wearing of face masks is strongly encouraged during any gathering.

One of six children of the late Edith Arre Pittman Howell and the late Henry Tillman Howell Sr., Henry was born and raised in the Keysville-Matthews area and attended school in the old Matthews Schoolhouse. Quitting school in the 10th grade to help on the family farm, Henry was always a hard-worker and very industrious. He married and started a family after which he started working at the cotton mill in Augusta. Being very personable and outgoing, he then got a job as a salesman for Jack’s Cookies where he thrived. After meeting the love of his life and remarrying in 1971, Henry worked for Dixie Chips before accepting a position with Murray Biscuit in Greenville SC.  He then owned and operated West Greenville Garage, a full-service station from gas fill-ups to any type repair job.  Due to circumstances beyond his control, he had to close the garage and went to work as a pipe fitter for a large construction company. Having to travel in this position, he landed a big job in Perry, moving his family there in 1979. Once that job ended, he went to work as a truck mechanic for Rollins Trucking/Leasing and Georgia Pacific, moving his family to the Vienna/Lilly area in 1989.  In his spare time and even after his retirement in 2009, he and his wife ran auctions all over Georgia. Being a “jack-of-all-trades”, he enjoyed carpentry, woodworking and crafts. His favorite pastime was just riding around looking at the cotton fields, farms—whatever could be seen on those country roads.  He could also be found listening to “old” country music and watching westerns. Henry accepted God’s free gift of salvation through His son, Jesus, and was Baptist by faith.  Being a true family-man, Henry had a great love for his family and found happiness, peace and comfort in their presence.  “Henry stories” will always be remembered and shared—he will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Henry was also preceded in death by his children, Sherry Wilkes and Ronnie Akridge; and siblings, Alma Oliphant, Betty Collins and Hayden Howell. Others left to cherish his memories include his nine children, Penny Darby (Dennis), Terri Odom, Lisa Forrister (Tommy), Debbie Akridge, Darlene Brunson, Randy Akridge (Barbara), Donna Gallagher (Tom), Nikki Gaultney and Brent West; sisters, Carol McDonald (Barry) and Rea Davis (Wayne); 26 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends. Serving as pallbearers will be Kevin Akridge, Adam Alewine, Andrew Alewine, Michael Brooks, Matt Crews and Brent West.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Matt Crews who was always there to support and help when called upon (even those 3:00AM calls!), as well as the staff of Homestead Hospice for their loving, compassionate and professional care.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 12:30 – 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 14, 2021 prior to the funeral service.