Bruce Rhye Howell

Bruce Rhye Howell, age 85, of Asheboro went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 6, 2015 after a short illness. Bruce was a graduate of Rockingham High School, where he lettered in all three major sports. He played football under the legendary coach Bill Eutsler. Bruce also played minor league baseball and worked for over 40 years with Klopman Mills, where he served as planning manager. He was an avid fan and supporter of UNC-Chapel Hill Tarheels. Bruce was reared in East Rockingham Methodist Church. Upon his marriage, he joined the Baptist Church where he served as ordained deacon, Sunday School teacher and choir member. Bruce served in the Coast Guard during the Korean Conflict. He was a generous philanthropist and supported many charitable causes. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents: James L. and Nell Rhye Howell; nephews: John Ratliff and Randy Howell. He is survived by his wife: Georgia Howell, his high school sweetheart with whom he was blessed with 65 years of marriage. Also, survived by his sister, Jean Howell (Richard) Moore; brother, James (Betty) Howell, Jr.; sister in law: Mary Charles Wrape (Joe) Butler; many nieces and nephews who loved him very much. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 9, 2015 from 12 noon - 1:15PM at Gravel Hill Baptist Church, 6737 Gravel Hill Rd., Denton, NC. Funeral service will follow at 1:30 PM at Gravel Hill Baptist Church, 6737 Gravel Hill Rd., Denton with Rev. John Butler, Rev. Ken Reaves and Rev. Danny Hosler officiating. Burial will be held at 4:00 PM in the family plot at Eastside Cemetery, Rockingham, NC. Memorial may be made to: Gravel Hill Baptist Church, 6737 Gravel Hill Road, Denton, NC 27239.