Ray E. Howell

Johnston City-Ray Evan Howell, 89, died 3:03 P.M., Saturday, February 25, 2006 at the VA Medical Center in Marion. Ray was born January 22, 1917 in Canton, Ohio to Claude Edison & Fay (Wood) Howell. He married Margaret Holland and they were married over 50 years, she preceded him in death. Ray lived in Birmingham, AL until 1940 at which time he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a survivor of the Pearl Harbor Raid on December 7, 1941. The ships forward and aft of his ship, the USS Tangier were sunk. His ship was strafed and crew members wounded. He served as a Flight Engineer on PBY Sea Planes all of WWII, rescuing survivors and doing patrol missions. He served on a Carrier in the Korean Conflict, and narrowly escaped capture in South Korea. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer from the U.S. Navy in 1962 with over 20 years Active Duty. He was a member the American Legion and VFW. He was also a member of the humane society. He enjoyed outdoor activities and was an avid reader. Survivors Include: Brother: Harold Howell, Col. U.S. Air Force, Retired of Prattville, AL. Also several nieces and nephews survive. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife Margaret and Sister Evelyn M. Richard. Per his request his body will be cremated and inurned at Walkers Chapel Cemetery, Fultondale, Alabama with his father and grandfather James C. Howell, a Civil War Veteran. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.