Michael Dean Howlett

Michael Dean Howlett, age 69, passed away on September 15th in Plano, Texas following a tough and courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia on January 7, 1957 to the late Malvin Earl Howlett, Sr. and the late Louise Nelson Nestor Pennock. Mike had a challenging start in life, starting out in an incubator which is how he got his nickname, “Dinky”. Dinky overcame his rough start, flourishing to become the tallest of the siblings.

Mike was a graduate of Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina. While in high school, Mike was a member of the honor society and the basketball, baseball, and golf teams. He went on to play golf for Appalachian State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Business Management. He was a fantastic athlete in every sport he ever endeavored and was the top player on many amateur teams in local, state, and national golf tournaments. He was a single-handicap golfer until he injured his neck in an accident.

Following graduation, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Denise Howerton, and moved to south Florida where the couple started an insurance reporting business. After several years, and the birth of their son, they decided to move back to Durham to be closer to family. In Durham, Mike worked in construction and they welcomed the birth of their daughter. After 23 years together, their marriage ended and Mike moved back to Florida to be close to his father. It was in St. Petersburg, Florida that Mike met his love, Tammy Hall, at work in 2004. After many years in Florida and his father’s death, Mike, Tammy, and her children moved to Texas in 2013 to be near Mike’s children who both attended SMU in Dallas. Mike enjoyed many happy years in Texas making friends while RV-living, taking care of his precious cats, and spending time with Tammy, his children, and his granddaughters, whom he cherished dearly.

Mike was known for his cheerful personality, witty jokes, and kind heart. While in Florida, he assisted his elderly father and step-mother during their declining years. In Texas, he frequently drove friends to doctors appointments. He also assisted his son in his son’s business as long as he was able and generally loved helping others even if it meant he went without. There is a huge hole in the space Mike once occupied, but his family rejoices in the certainty that Mike is now in heaven, restored in health and playing golf once again.

Mike is survived by his two children, Michael Thomas Howlett (Jennifer) and Chelsea Howlett Gee (Richard), a granddaughter, Valerie Lena Gee, a grandson on the way, a sister, Susan Howlett Gomez (Michael), a brother, Chris Howlett (Cheryl), a partner of 22 years, Tammy Hall, her children Zachary Jennetten (Kimberly) and Adam Jennetten (Kelly), and a bonus granddaughter, Echo Jennetten. He is also survived by a beloved uncle, The Reverend Franklin Dean Howlett, four nieces, one nephew, and several half-siblings.

A service of celebration will be held in the month of December in Durham, North Carolina. All are welcomed.