Arthur "Butch" Howell

1942 - 2015

Arthur "Butch" Howell, 72 years young, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 28. Butch was born in Florala, Alabama, on Dec. 9, 1942. He was a lifelong resident of Niceville, Florida.
Butch was employed at Eglin Air Force Base Golf Course, where he not only worked, but also began his lifelong passion for golf at the age of 10. Butch was a retired long-haul truck driver. He was a faithful member of Generations United Church.
Butch was a loving son, husband, father, brother, grandfather, teacher and friend to many. Along with a constant smile on his handsome face, his passion for the game of golf was evident to all who knew him and he shared his love through countless rounds on the course with friends and family. He happily encouraged his nephews, grandchildren and great-granddaughter to join him, hoping one might carry on his legacy as a golf aficionado. He also loved to watch and support his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. Always jovial and charismatic, Butch had a magnetic personality enriched by his many adventures and travel tales.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Doris Howell; his sister, Peggy Stephens; nephew, Danny Mitchem; and grandson, Chase Ray.
Butch is survived by his wife, Dian Howell; his daughter, Michele Ray and husband, Gilbert; his sons, William Howell and wife, Christie, Michael Howell, and Kenny Leavins and wife, Stephanie; brothers, Donnie Howell and wife, Donna, and Jerry Mitchem and wife, Virginia; sister, Bonnie Roberts and husband, Joey; sisters-in-law, Donna Cornwell and husband, Alan, and Sherry Taylor and husband, Bobby; brother-in-law, Joe McKinney and wife, Tara; nephews, Greg Stephens, Randy Mitchem, Sean Howell, Paul Roberts, Scott Brogden and Jason Brogden; niece, Beccalee Escobedo and husband, Scott; his loving grandchildren, Hunter Ray and wife, Jami, Cameron Howell, Gavin Howell, Keaton Leavins, Emma Leavins and Ashton Leavins; and great-granddaughter, Emery Ray; as well as a host of great-nieces and nephews.
Services will be Friday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. at Generations United Church in Niceville. A celebration of life will follow at the Eglin AFB Golf Course.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Butch Howell Golf Scholarship Fund.
You may go online to offer condolences to the family and sign the guestbook at www.heritagegardensfuneralhome.com.