Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Luther Howell, 81, of Phillips Mill Baptist Church who passed away Monday, February 27, In a personal care home in Pink Hill, N.C., near Kinston where his son, Luther Jr., and his wife, Kathy Pate Howell, have lived around 18 years, near her parents.

Her mother has passed away but her father seems to be in pretty good health and a handsome, clean cut gentleman. He came with the family from North Carolina to Washington Friday, March 3, to attend graveside services for Mr. Howell, who was buried beside his wife, Edna Ruth Herring Howell, who passed away October 22, 2003, at the age of 72; and their adopted foster son, David Michael, who passed away January 21, 1968, a short time after celebrating his seventh birthday on December 29.

Many throughout the area have fond memories of the Howell family, going back to the mid-1950s when they moved to Georgia from North Carolina.They purchased the property known to older people as the "Corry Flynt Place" owned by the late Cecil and Mary Dean Simons Moore who operated a dairy farm and milked cows.

Cecil had just been elected the first county police of Wilkes County to work with the late Sheriff Horace Lunceford, a well-respected man. They worked well together. The Moores had moved to Washington. Later on, after the death of Sheriff Lunceford, Cecil was then elected sheriff of Wilkes County and served until his death in July 2000 at the age of 80.

His wife, Mary Dean, daughter of the late Jule and Edna Lyle Simons, died in November 2004 at the age of 83. Cecil was one of 12 children of the late Mark and Essie West Moore of Phillips Mill Baptist Church. They lived across the road to the Howells on Highway 44 near Griffin's Store in the Tyrone community. They both operated a dairy and the men liked to fish, sharing many fish with neighbors.

Mr. Howell's casket had drawings of fish on it and the children put a fish pole and cap inside beside him. He was also a fisher of men and made friends, being a quiet, faithful, Christian gentleman.

Mr. Howell is survived by three fine grandsons, Michael Howell, a mechanic, enjoys restoring trucks and tractors, and playing music. He and his lovely wife Valerie live in Wayne County outside Goldsboro, N.C. Jason Howell is a machinist's mate Weapons Second Class Petty Officer.

Since Mr. Howell served in the United States Navy during World War II and the family was given an American flag to drape over the casket, Luther Jr. and Kathy chose to let the flag be presented to their oldest son, Michael, which was a surprise and special honor to him.

Best wishes to Luther J., Kathy, and their family as they continue to move on.