Mr. Rufus Jerome “R.J.” Howell, age 82, who entered into rest on Friday, February 11, 2022 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Howell was born in Haines City, Florida the son of the late Rufus Brown Howell and Deloris Pearce Howell. Mr. Howell was a graduate of South Georgia College where he played football for Coach Bobby Bowden, also a graduate of the University of Georgia with a BS degree in Agriculture. He worked in the poultry industry as a salesman and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include His Wife; Johnnie Sue Howell of Douglas, GA; Two step-children; Wendy Moseley (Wendell) of Broxton, GA, Timothy Gourley (Jessica) of Broxton, GA; Two daughters; Dee Meier of Seminole, FL, Sherry Larkin of Pennsylvania, Four step-grandchildren; Rebekah Adams (Cason), Will Gourley, Gracie Ott and, Emma Gourley, One great step-grandchild; Lily Adams; Four Grandchildren, Colby Westmoreland, Riley Carlton, Lauren Thompson, and Blair Smith; One great grandchild; Bobie Westmoreland, Brother; David Howell (Cheryl) of Florida, Sister; Linda Summers of Florida, and his faithful companion, “Smut”. Mr. Howell was also survived by several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 14, 2022, at 4:00PM, at the Chapel of Sims Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Atkinson officiating. Rev. Wendell Moseley and Will Gourley will deliver a eulogy. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant (Byrd) Church Cemetery, Jeff Davis County. Active Pallbearers will be: Michael Hewell, Kim Mackenzie, Keith Furman, Curtis Carey, Sammy Jones, and Chad Gilliard.
The family will receive friends on Monday, February 14, 2022, from 2:00PM until 4:00PM, at Sims Funeral Home.
Sims Funeral Home Inc. will require all customers, guests, and attendees to wear medical grade masks at all times while in our facility, as well as social distancing. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however the safety of our staff and those we serve are our primary concern. Masks will not be provided.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.