Joseph Harold Howell

The sweetest, kindest man I've ever known died peacefully in his sleep at home in the early morning hours of Friday, March 28, 2025, just 4 days passed his 86th birthday. My comfort is the assurance that Joe is with Jesus, he's at rest because of his decision to believe in Him as the only way to eternal life. I can only imagine what he is seeing now. He kept his families in his prayers, and even when he asked God's blessing at mealtime he prayed for all of us. He loved the old hymns and the old mountain music.

Joe was born on March 24, 1939, in Mars Hill NC. His last 15 years were mostly spent in a quiet place with a big yard in Forest City NC. He spent hours mowing the lawn or sitting on the front porch watching the birds that always had food in the feeders. He loved his two small dogs, Charlie & Prissie that adored him. He even taught one of the barn cats to roll-over. Joe took great pleasure in giving to and helping others.

He attended Old Fort High School, graduating in 1957, having lettered in Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track. I've been told by his teammates that when Joe put on that football helmet he turned into a raging bull. He was second in his class with the highest IQ. He spoke at graduation, earned a sports scholarship to Gardner-Webb University, but decided instead to go to Ft. Lauderdale, get a job and help out his mom. His first job was working at the Pier 66 Boat Dock, then for Coca Cola, and later with an electrical contractor until he created Howell Plumbing Company, Inc. in 1969, having become a Master Plumber.

In 1959 Joe married a classmate of ours, Ellen Bryant, and a few years later they had their son, Bobby Joe, and like most fathers, Joe was so proud of Bobby. He doted on his grandsons, Cameron and Connor. He appreciated the good mother that Shawn was to the boys.

Joe was drafted into the US Army in May 1963. He didn't want to go, but if he had to go he was going to make the best of it. He did. He trained at Ft. Gordon and Ft. Benning GA. He graduated Top Gun in Missile School. He was stationed at Schofield Barracks Hawaii with the 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning" for the next 18 months. Joe worked Gunner on Intact Missiles and held top secret clearance for transporting Nuclear Warheads. He taught Simulator Training at Missile School and was chosen to be in charge of driving the Colonel to destinations. He ended up loving the Military.

Joe was discharged in May 1965 with the rank of Sergeant E5. He remained in the Active Reserves the next 2 years with the 841st Combat Engineers Ft. Lauderdale. He received commendations as Marksman Rifle (M-1) Sharpshooter (Pistol .45) Good Conduct Medal. He had a job waiting for him at home and was eager to return. Joe and Ellen enjoyed 37 years of marriage before she died.

He retired and sold Howell Plumbing Company in 2008 and moved to his home on Beech Mountain NC. He was unloading his car in November with pouring snow and he told himself it was going to be a long Winter. Before warm weather returned to the mountain, he was talking to the deer he fed in his yard. In September 2009 we were married and had 15 1/2 sweet years together.

Joe is preceded in death by his first wife, Ellen Marie Bryant Howell; his mother, Elizabeth Glenn Holcombe Howell; his father John Usley Howell; a sister Janice and a brother David. His stepfather Bill Litaker.

Joe leaves a family of loved ones behind, his wife Joyce Ann Grindstaff (Sigmon) Howell; his son Bobby Joe Howell and wife Shawn of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; two grandsons, Cameron Joseph Howell and Connor Michael Howell. His brother Lee Hemphill and wife Patti.

Joe also leaves behind a loving Step-family: 2 Stepdaughters Tina Sigmon Grindstaff and husband Barry Grindstaff; Tami Sigmon Schultz Waters and husband Mickey Waters; 2 Stepsons Billy Sigmon and wife Debra; Joey Sigmon and wife Aleshia.

Step-grandchildren: Chelsea Grindstaff Comadoll and husband Lucas; Chandler Grindstaff and wife Taylor; Chad Grindstaff; Jordi Schultz Mayes and husband Hal; Graci Schultz; Breanna Sigmon; Brooklyn Sigmon Woody and husband Garrett; Garrett Sigmon and girlfriend Zoe' Elliott.

Step great-grandchildren: Hartley Carolina Mayes; Boone McKinley Mayes; Wilder Bren Mayes; Colter Levi Mayes; Kiara Faye Woody and Charles Gavin Woody.

"I was honored to be your wife, Joe, and thankful for our sweet years together. You were an awesome, caring man. We talked many times of our Golden Years. Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be. Till we meet again, Sweet Man." Lovingly forever, Joyce Ann

The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Community Cemetery.