Trending
David Ray "Hootie" Howell, 71, of Beverly and formerly of Mill Creek, passed from this life Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, at Mon General Hospital in Morgantown. David was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
He was born in Beverly, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 1951, a son of the late George Howell Sr. and Bessie (Owens) Howell.
He was the last child born to George and Bessie Howell.
On Sept. 10, 1998, he married the former DeAnna Wilson, who survives at home.
Also left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Katina "Tina" Dawn (Tommy) Cochran of Petersburg and Amanda Howell of Elkins; one son, David "DJ" (Jessica) Howell of Green Bay, Wisconsin; and two stepsons, Brian Wilson of Beckley and Josh Thornhill of Elkins; sixteen grandchildren, Cooper Ritchie, Danni Ritchie, Thomas J. Cochran, Gray Cochran, Rebekah Cochran, Hannah Cochran, Dalton Howell, William Edmonds, Wyatt Edmonds, Christopher Howell, Chloe Howell, Sophia Howell, Kylie Morrow, Khalie Morrow, Braxton Morrow and Kayden Thornhill; one great-grandson, Brantley Ritchie; one brother, Charles (Alice) Howell of Buckhannon; one sister, Sue (Dick) Cote of Valley Bend; several nieces and nephews and two fur babies, Cookie and Katie.
Preceding him in death besides his parents were four brothers, Paul, Lloyd, George "Buck" and Lewis; one sister, Georgia Cross; and one step-granddaughter, Abigail Wilson.
Hootie graduated from Elkins High School in 1972. David was the former water plant operator for the Town of Mill Creek. He worked for Mongold's Lumber, was a ski lift operator for Snowshoe and overall jack of all trades. David enjoyed spending time with his kids and family. He was a member of the Issac Walton League. David coached T-ball, helped with Boys Scouts and was an active member in the community.
His great love and joy were spending 35-plus years as a proud member of the Beverly Volunteer Fire Department, the Huttonsville / Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the Randolph County EMS. He could never miss stopping at a fire department wherever he and his wife, DeAnna, traveled.
A visitation will be held at the Randolph Funeral Home Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
David's request for cremation will then be honored.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his name "Hootie" Howell to the Beverly Volunteer Fire Department or Huttonsville / Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Department or any Volunteer Fire Department of your choice.
The Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements for David Ray "Hootie" Howell.
Send online condolences to the family at www.therandolphfuneralhome.com.