Obituary
Guest Book
Ralph William “Mac” Howell, 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Alamance Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family. A native of Alamance County, he was born June 5, 1941 to the late Daniel Rucker Howell and Dora Brammer Howell and was the husband of nearly 54 years to Judy Simmons Howell who survives.
Mac was a loving husband and a devoted father. He stepped in and raised both of his granddaughters until they started school. He enjoyed the mountains and was an avid NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt fan and collector. Mac was one of the greatest men around. There are no words to express the love, honor and respect we had for this great man. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his wife, Judy; daughter, Christie Howell; grandchildren, Kelsey Toombs (Aaron), Chloe Williams; great grandchildren, Todd Toombs; brother, David Howell (Mary Ann); sister, Elizabeth Ann Barker and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jeffrey Todd Amick; sisters, Lillie Bell Wyrick, Carlene Denham, Goldie Howell and brothers, Allen Howell and Eugene Howell.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at Christie’s home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2205 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more