NEW BERN - Gregor Ray Howell, affectionately known by family and friends as "Pops," joined his wife and our Heavenly Father on Monday, July 2, 2012 at his home. A native of Lenoir County, he lived in the Jenny Lind community until joining the U.S. Coast Guard in 1948 and later settled into a 43 year career with the NCDOT where he worked until his retirement in 1992 at the age of 62. In addition to his work, "Pops" enjoyed volunteering with a number of organizations through the years, such as the New Bern Family C.B. Radio Club, SEANC, Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scouts and Band Boosters for both New Bern and West Craven High Schools. He particularly enjoyed spending time at the "Old Farts" breakfast table (as he referred to it) at Bojangles and also at IHOP on senior nights. "Pops" had also been a longtime member of Colony Baptist Church and First Baptist Church but recently had attended New Song United Methodist Church with his son and granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Eloise Boone Howell in 2010. He is survived by his sister, Zella Parks; two sons, Ray Howell of New Bern and Glen Howell and wife, Alysia of Greensboro; eight grandchildren, Kristina Howell, Andy Heath, Rob Howell, Ryan Howell, Lauren Heath, Erin Cooke, Heather Thomas and Derek Howell; and five great grandchildren, Kayla Heath, Joshua Heath, Taylor Heath, Mason Howell and Harleigh Heath.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 5 at Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, July 6, at the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Danny Rogers officiating. Burial will follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park.
For those considering memorial contributions, the family suggests they be made to United Hospice,
or to
. Friends are invited to share memories and sign the online guestbook by visiting www.pollockbest.com.
Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations has the honor of serving The Howell Family.
