Thomas Earl Howell

With grateful hearts and deep sadness, we share that our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Thomas Earl Howell, of Trussville, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord on June 18, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on September 7, 1928, in Cleveland, Mississippi, as the first-born child of Horace and Olene Sledge Howell, Tom lived a long, wonderful, active life loving and serving his family. One of the greatest blessings of his life was his marriage of almost 69 years to Billie. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, kindness, prayer, and unwavering devotion to one another. Their example showed us what a faithful Christian marriage looks like. After graduating from Cleveland (Mississippi) High School and attending college, Tom served as Master Sergeant in the Army National Guard during the Korean War. Tom was employed with Entergy Corporation (formerly Mississippi Power and Light Co.) as an instrument technician and supervisor for 39 years. He was an avid hunter, having been a member of the Merigold Hunting Club. He had many hobbies, but one of his favorites was building and repairing clocks. One of the many joys of life was traveling with a special group of friends called the Merigold Supper Club. Tom loved the body of Christ, the church, whom he served as a deacon, through missions, in student ministry (World Changers and many student trips), preparing food for the Sunday morning donut shop, and numerous other ways. Tom and Billie visited Trussville, Alabama, often (because their grandchildren lived there). During these visits they actively participated in CrossPoint Church, including helping with the church campus construction. After moving to Clay, Alabama, in 2009, Tom and Billie became members of CrossPoint. Tom loved his Bible study group and enjoyed actively serving as a deacon. Tom never sought attention. He was happiest spending time with family, serving his church, sharing a story from years gone by, or enjoying a good laugh. His faith was genuine and evident in the way he treated people—with kindness, patience, grace, and respect. We will miss hearing his voice, seeing his smile, receiving his wise advice, and his sense of humor. Mostly, we will miss the comfort of his presence. But we are thankful for every year, every lesson, and every memory God allowed us to share with him. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Donald Howell, Durell Howell, and a sister, Kaye Howell Bush. He is survived by his wife, Billie; his children, Chris (Carrie) Howell and Lydia (Matt) Kelley; grandchildren, Daniel (Ashley) Howell, Jordan (Abby) Howell, Madison Owen, Elisa Lynn Kelley (Reid) Colgrove, and Katy Kelley (Madison) Hendry; great-grandchildren, Thomas Howell, Matthew Howell, Judah Colgrove, Anna Reid Colgrove, Quinn Colgrove, and Millie Hendry; and many nieces and nephews whose lives were impacted by his love and example. Though our hearts ache today, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and look forward to the day we will see him again. We find peace in knowing that he has finished his race, kept the faith, and has been welcomed into the arms of his Savior. Thank you, Pop, for showing us what it means to live well, love deeply, and trust God faithfully. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at CrossPoint Church, 8000 Liles Lane, Trussville, Alabama 35173 on Monday, June 22, at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be from Noon to 2:00 PM. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Equip Ministries (equiponeministries.org) or the CrossPoint Missions Stream. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7 "Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

Thomas Earl Howell

September 7, 1928 - June 18, 2026