Dr. Leonard "Rudy" Howell, Jr.

Leonard "Rudy" Howell, 90, formerly of Valdosta passed away on Friday, February 19, 2015 after an extended illness.
Born May, 19, 1925, he was the son of the late Leonard R. Howell, Sr. and Lilly Howell. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Myrtis A. Howell, his beloved daughter Elizabeth H. Nordan (Robert G.), son Paul M. Howell, and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Preceding in death were his sons, David Howell and Leonard R Howell III, his grandson, Leonard Rudolph Howell IV and two sisters, Annette Howell Turner and Virginia Howell Salter.

"Rudy" lived a long and complete life, touching many in his walk. He joined the Army Air Force in 1944, and served as Navigator in the 389th Bomb Group based in Hethel England. His service extended a total of 29 years in the USAF, and he retired as Lt Col in 1972.
While in service, he received his PhD in Mathematics from Florida State University in 1964.
Upon retiring from the USAF, he settled in Brooks County, Georgia on a farm that he had bought in 1963. He loved his time on the farm, but could not remain retired. He joined the University of Georgia system as Mathematics and Computer Science Instructor at Valdosta State College where he taught an additional 10 years. After leaving Valdosta State, he taught at a local private school (Valwood) for a brief time and then ultimately retired.
Rudy and Myrtis loved to travel, and their retirement years saw them visit not only all 50 states, but all 7 continents.

Finally, Rudy was the most devout student and servant of God. His entire life was focused on his faith and service to God, and God's church, and many will remember him as a Sunday School teacher and active member in his church at the time. This defined the man. As his family mournes the loss of our Patriarch, we are assured we will see him in the presence of God. Rudy and Myrtis were charter and former members of the Northside Baptist Church in Valdosta, former members of the First Baptist Church in Quitman and the First Baptist Church in Valdosta.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with Rev. Robert G. Nordan and Rev. Mac Weaver officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. If so desired, memorials may be made to The Heritage League at www.heritageleague.org. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.




Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602