Dr. Ralph M. Howse

Dr. Howse was born February 11, 1928, the son of the late Barney C. and Myrtle Howse in Fairfield, Alabama. He was a graduate of Duke University and went on to graduate from Duke Medical School. While at Duke, he completed his surgical internship and urological residency.

From Duke, he came to Rome and began his urological practice with the Harbin Clinic in 1962. He was a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Georgia Urological Society, the Southeastern Urological Society, and numerous other professional organizations. He served as Vice President of the Harbin Clinic. During his practice he was active in many civic affairs including Rome Rotary and served for 12 years on the Rome City Commission. He served as the Chairman of the Floyd County Republican party.

He was married to Rose Causey Howse who preceded him in death on April 29, 1979 and by a grandson, Charles Hampton Covington, Jr. on October 6, 1998.

He is survived by his wife, the former Marge Britt Thigpen to whom he was married September 3, 1989; 3 sons- Ralph M. Howse Jr. and his wife Lisa of Rome; Jonathan Smith Howse of Marietta and Alan Victor Howse of Asheville, NC and one daughter Victoria Howse Covington and her husband Hamp of Atlanta. Also surviving are 3 step daughters Betsy Thigpen Foster of Hickory N.C., Katherine Thigpen Skates and her husband David of Rome and Joy Thigpen Trowbridge and her husband Max of Bourbon, Indiana. Seven grandchildren survive and include Frances Howse Justice and her husband Craig ; Laura Howse Walley and her husband Shane; Christopher Alan Covington; Maclain Howse Benton and her husband Wade; Jonathan S. Howse, Jr.; Carson Whitley Howse and Rose Himber Howse. A step granddaughter also survives; LeAnne Rogers and her husband Anthony and 3 step great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service was held on Sunday, April 17, 2011, at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Wayne Niederhuth and Dr. Bob Hoffman officiating. The Honor Guard of the American Legion Post No. 5 of the American Legion provided military rites. A memorial service followed at the First Presbyterian Church at 3 pm on Sunday. The family received friends immediately following the service in the King Hall of the First Presbyterian Church.

Honorary pallbearers included Bob Brinson; Paul Brock; Ken Davis; Paul Ferguson; Larry Formby; Peter Gilbert; Banny Harbin; Jim Milner; Toby Morgan; Jessie Nolen; Robert Walther and Jim Whatley.

The family welcomes flowers or suggests that memorials be sent to your favorite charity.