He graduated from Pi Beta Phi High School in Gatlinburg and attended the University of Tennessee. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Joe retired from Martin Marietta in June of 1992 after 32 years of service. He was a member of West Haven Baptist Church and a 50 year member of Knoxville Scottish Rite/Cherokee Lodge #728. He was a member of American Legion, TN Post 0002 and a former member of the Northwest Knoxville Lions Club.
Joe was known for his fascination with airplanes and his gently teasing sense of humor. Joe enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors by spending time bicycling, hiking and camping with his family and friends.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Rowe Bays Howell and Jessie Leatherwood Howell; sister, Mary Ellen Howell; brothers, Tom Howell and Harry Howell; daughter-in-law, Pamela Elaine Howell; nephews, John Howell and Jim Mankin.
Joe is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Carr Howell; daughter, Marty Howell McKinney (John); son, Mark Howell; sister, Anne Howell Mankin; brother-in-law, James W. (Jimmy) Carr; sisters-in-law, Carol Carr Bolling (Rodger), Dinah Howell; grandchildren; Nathan Howell, Marc Kevin Runyan (Katherine), Brittney Howell Romines (Stephen), Matthew Runyan (Ambrie), Steven Howell, Eric Howell and Joshua Teems; great-grandchildren, Matt Romines, Izzabella Lozano, Jaziah Lozano, Benjamin Runyan, Madelyn Romines and Finley Runyan; nieces and nephews; Valerie Howell Ard (Clint), Bob Howell (Beth), Angela Howell Chramer, Susan Howell Grant (Chris), Lisa Howell Davis (Steve), Cyndi Mankin Chaloux (Jeff), Pam Mankin Harvey, Kenny Carr (Jean), Deborah Carr (Debbie Grayson), Michael Carr (April).
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 11:00am - 12:00pm with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike. A graveside service will be held at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery at 1:00 pm. Masks are required.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Smokies, West Haven Baptist Church, P.O. Box 12282, Knoxville, TN 37912 or the charity of your choice.
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