Ray Howell

Hester Ray Howell, born March 25, 1943, to Gladys Cowart Howell and Hester Howell, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026. A native of Chilton County, he spent his forty professional years in the City or County of Mobile before relocating to the City of Montgomery in 2005. He was a graduate of Isabella High School in 1961 and attended Troy State College where he played in the marching band. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother, James Lawrence Howell. He is survived by his sister Martha Jo Howell Hosey Ciccone (Anthony) of Montgomery, a nephew Kenneth M. Hosey (Dori) of Headland, AL; nieces Pamela Hosey Long of Montgomery, Lara Howell Mooney of Hendersonville, NC, Jana Howell Miller (Chris) of Northport, AL, Tara Howell McCollum (Nathan) of Hubbertville, AL; many great-nieces and -nephews and other relatives and friends.

After briefly serving in the US Air Force, his professional years were spent with chemical manufacturing companies in various positions in the areas of development, quality control and quality assurance. He retired from Union Carbide/UOP in 2001 after 26 years of service. While employed by UOP, he joined with two area colleagues to establish the Mobile chapter of the American Society of Quality Control. He qualified for and became a member of Mensa and Intertel, two international high IQ societies with chapters in Mobile.

For several years he was an active member of St. Mary’s-By-The-Sea Episcopal Church in Coden, AL, where he served in many positions. It was while living in south Mobile County that he formed a love and great respect for the hard-working people of the bayou area. He was a founding member of The Community Thrift Store in Bayou La Batre, AL where he served as President. After moving to Montgomery, he became a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka, AL where he served as Eucharistic Visitor and contributed a shamrock stained glass window in the nave of the church.

He was a very intelligent man whose humor sustained him through many challenges during his life. As a gifted gardener, especially of fruit trees, his experience and knowledge about plants and trees of Alabama was extensive. He loved his pets, especially his last pet, Lucy, a schnauzer mix. He was devoted to the Real Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, as well as the Blessed Mother, whose image he always carried or wore. Although he considered himself a “grumpy old man,” his family will remember him especially for his humor, his faith and his compassion for the poor and the lonely.

Funeral mass will be held Monday, November 16 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 US-231, Wetumpka, AL 36092 with visitation at 10 am and funeral mass at 11; repast to follow. The Rev. Ally Perry will officiate, with the Rev. Pamela Hosey Long delivering the homily. Graveside service and interment will be at 3 pm the same day in the Veterans section of Alabama Heritage Cemetery in Montgomery. In lieu of flowers, please plant a fruit tree.