Ray Howell

Kartis Ray Howell, age 89, entered into his Heavenly reward on Friday, January 27, 2023 while he was surrounded by the love and care of his devoted family.  

A native of Hart County, he was the son of the late Arthur “Bud” Howell and Thelma Barfield Howell.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, A.B. Howell and William Howell; and sister, Lily Belle Wiles.  

After graduating from Elbert County High School, Ray joined the United States Navy and served his country from April 1952 through April 1956 during the Korean War.  He served on the USS Kearsarge CVA33 aircraft carrier and received numerous commendations including the Good Conduct, National Defense, and China Service medals.  He served in Korean  waters, the Philippines, Japan, China, and Singapore.  It was during this time Ray learned to become a meat cutter so following his discharge from the Navy, he became a meat cutter at the Winn Dixie and Colonial stores.  He later became a car salesman, where he spent most of his working years building relationships with his customers through his honesty and integrity.  Due to his impeccable reputation, Ray earned top salesman for many years which led to numerous free vacations and gifts for his loving wife.  Following his retirement as general manager of Watkins Chevrolet in Royston, he owned and operated Howell Granite Imports and later became an integral part of the Hicks Funeral Home family.  

Ray was an active member of Elberton First United Methodist Church and was a member of the Mary Freeman Sunday school class. 

Ray loved to be outdoors and staying active.  He enjoyed adult softball and played basketball at Doves Creek.  His love of basketball remained through the years and he was the stat keeper for the Elbert County Blue Devils in the 70s, including the year they played for the state championship.  Ray enjoyed camping trips with his family (especially after the grandchildren came along), and gospel singings and square dances with friends.  Known for his “good tomatoes,” Ray took pride in his garden as well as keeping his yard meticulously maintained.  Ray refused to let anything slow him down and he continued to enjoy life.

Having a servant’s heart, he enjoyed serving the community as a former member of the Elberton Lions Club and through his church.  

Ray will be remembered for his love of God, country, and family.

Left to carry on his legacy of love and hard work are his beloved wife of 65 years, Carolyn Dixon Howell; daughters, Rhonda Mills (Neal) of Gray and Renee Giannoni (David) of Elberton; and sisters, Shirley Howell of Starr, South Carolina and Barbara Keown (Albert “Buddy”) of Anderson, South Carolina.  His pride and joy were grandchildren, Drew Mills of Forest City, North Carolina, Brent Mills (Lauren) and Hannah Mills of Gray, Josh Giannoni of Charleston, and Brandon Giannoni of Elberton; his great grandchildren Harper and Landon Mills of Gray; and his numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored. He is also survived by his loving caregivers and the wonderful staff of Bristol Hospice who became part of the family.

The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:20 AM Monday in the sanctuary of Elberton First United Methodist Church with the service to follow at 11:30.  Reverend Jim McCollough will officiate and interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery with honors rendered by the United States Navy.  

Ray’s caregivers and the Mary Freeman Sunday school class will sit together as groups.  

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be directed to the Ramp Ministry of First Baptist Church Elberton.

Arrangements for Kartis Ray Howell are in the care of Hicks Funeral Home & Cremation Services.