Thomas J. "Tommy" Howell

November 22, 1934 - September 29, 2018

Thomas J “Tommy” Howell passed into Heaven September 29, 2018 in Rome, GA following an extended illness. He was 83. Mr. Howell was born on November 22, 1934 to his parents, Fred Monroe and Eva Donna Howell of Lindale, GA. He would tell stories of his childhood and how his father and mother kept him and his three brothers in line. He served his country honorably in the Navy aboard the USS Toledo during the Korean War. He would talk of his navy days and the lessons learned that carried him through manhood. After discharging from the service, Mr. Howell was employed by Southern Bell; where he worked 40 years until his retirement in 1995. Tommy Howell’s passion was his Christian ministry, “Free on the Inside”, to the inmates at the Floyd County Jail. This ministry dominated his life during his retirement years. When he was not at the jail, he would spend many hours reading his bible and listening to gospel ministers. His consistent witness strengthened the faith of fellow believers and led many people to salvation in Jesus Christ and in Heaven. He was well loved and respected by his friends, family and community. Mr. Howell is survived by his wife, Judy Howell, and two brothers; Larry and Reva Howell and J.W. and Joyce Howell. Children: Chris Evans, Sharon and Frank Craven, Keith and April Howell, Tammy and Geoff Stokes, Laurie and Rod Brehm. Grandchildren: Brooke Whitaker, CJ Evans, Thomas Craven, Allen and Jeri Craven, Mary and Robert Jordan, Jacob Gimotty, Ben Gimotty, Vicky Lacey, Alex Lacey, Joey Lacey and Isabella Howell. Great-Grandchildren: Layla Whitaker, Donovahn Jordan, Aidyn Jordan, Tristan Jordan, Shelby Craven, Kyleigh Craven, Brooklyn Hall-Craven. Mr. Howell was preceded in death by child Ricky Harris, and brother and sister-in-law Bill and Jeri Howell, Tubby and Floy Howell, sister and brother-in-law Mildred and Harold Taylor, Arie and Neil Burkhalter. Services for Mr. Howell will be held at in the chapel at Good Shepherd Funeral Home, Rome, GA. Visitation will be on Sunday, September 30, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Memorial Services to celebrate Mr. Howell’s life will be held on Monday, October 1, at 11:00 am. Mr. Howell will be buried, with military honors, in Scott Cemetery, Plainville, GA following the services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the “Free on the Inside” jail ministry or a charity of your choice.