Harold "Sonny" Jay Howell

Sonny, the youngest in his family, had an older brother, Billy, and an older sister, Betty Sue. After the death of his mother, at the young age of 16 months old, Sonny's maternal grandmother, Mary Maud Jones, raised him. Sonny had a happy childhood in Hamilton, where he was adored and spoiled by his grandmother, aunts, and uncles who lived on the same block.

Sonny married Bobbye Jean Dunlop on May 30, 1953. In 1965, Sonny moved his family to Arlington, Texas, where he and Bobbye lived for over 60 years. Sonny worked in a Dallas sawmill until he retired. Sonny and Bobbye were founding members of Lamar Baptist Church, Arlington Texas, where he served as a deacon in the church and worked in the maintenance department.

Sonny is remembered for his skills as a carpenter. He spent infinite hours in his workshop building and repairing requested items for his family, friends, and church, always free of charge. Sonny's skilled hands at wood making created children's furniture, play kitchens, puzzle racks, bookshelves, cabinets, shelves, closets, podiums, risers, toy blocks, chess sets, stools, moldings, built-ins, and the list goes on. One of our family's favorite wood treasures are the hundreds of nativities and crosses he made and gave as gifts. When not working in his shop, Sonny could often be found fishing or watching the Texas Rangers play baseball.

Sonny was married to Bobbye for 72 years. They had 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Sonny is survived by his daughters, Tracy Elkins and husband Butch; Janay Pendley and husband Tim. His grandchildren and great grandchildren include Andrea Hansen, son Keeton; Loren Coleman, husband Skyler, and children Carson, Case, Cooper;

Adam Fowler, wife Whitney, and children Cole, Jake, Brady; Alyssa Randall, husband Evan, and children Gavin, Owen; Shae Phillips, husband Jon, and children Elsie Jaye, Thiess, Redding, Andersen; and Micalea Nixon, husband Michael, and children Stella, Pendley, Maisie Jean. He is also survived by three half brothers, James Howell, Aubre, Howell, and Dean Howell; and a favorite nephew Bolivar Thomas and wife Sandy.

Sonny will be missed greatly by his family. His legacy will live on through the generous gifts of his carpentry, his love of fishing, and playing "42".