Frank Clymore Howell Jr., of Lebanon, TN passed away in his home on November 1, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Frank was born and raised in Columbia, TN where he attended Columbia Central High School and played football. After graduating from Central in 1968, Frank went on to play left defensive tackle (#83) at the University of Tennessee. While a VOL, Tennessee won the Gator Bowl, the Liberty Bowl, and the Sugar Bowl. He was also a member of the ALL SEC team during the 1969-70-football season. H graduated from UT with a degree in Engineering Physics and Roz, the love of his life. Introduced by a mutual friend, Frank and Roz built a family. A life together. His wife Roz, his kids Robyn, Kelly, and Frankie, and his grandkids Sean, Sami, Jonathan, Kenley, and TJ; his family and friends were Frank’s priority in life.
After graduating, Frank went on to work with Westinghouse at the Nuclear Energy Center in Pittsburgh; In Atlanta with Georgia Power and NAC where he developed and published a Bi-Monthly Review of the Nuclear industry. Later, the family opened the Columbia Athletic & Aquatic Club, owned and operated Hersch Cutting Dies, and most recently employed by Jamison Steel Rule in Murfreesboro.
Frank loved being outside: gardening, planting trees, and simply relaxing. He enjoyed building, rebuilding, and fixing things. He was a jokester, a thinker, a reader, and a man of infinite knowledge. He knew “the answer” to any question asked. Frank was kind, caring, giving, full of life and love. Until his last breath he wanted to help and make things easier for everyone around him.
Frank is survived by Roz Howell, his wife of 47 ½ years. Daughters: Robyn and Kelly Howell, his best “FUR” friends Max and Bear. Preceded in death by Frankie “Bear” Howell III, his only son. Also survived by Grandchildren: Sean Daniels, Samantha Prescher, Jonathan Daniels (Selena), Kenley Prescher, and TJ Thompson; Great Granddaughter, Hazel Grace Daniels; Siblings: Jerry (Debbie) Howell, Patricia Hargrove, Susan Lathrop; Beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his son, Frank was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Lillion Howell as well as his nephew Jerry “Dinker” Howell Jr.
Visitation with the family will be Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, TN with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 2:00 PM. The service will be officiated by Chaplin Khette Cox.
Donations may be made in honor of Frank Howell to:
The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate)
Alive Hospice of Nashville (www.alivehospice.org/support-us/donate-now)
