Royce Oneal Howie, 77, died January 29, 2026 at his home after a long illness. He was born to Vester and Mattie Faye Howie on September 1, 1948, the fifth of seven children raised in the Midway community. He graduated in 1967 from Tishomingo High School. He was attending Northeast Mississippi Junior College when drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era and stationed in Germany. After his time of service, he was employed with the State of Mississippi as a conservation officer in Tishomingo County until he retired in 2008. For over forty years he was a beloved Sunday School and Discipleship Training teacher at Tishomingo Baptist Church where he had a God given gift to teach His word. He loved going on mission trips, especially his trip to Africa, where he made many memories and lifelong friends. He was an avid athlete his entire life. He played league softball all over the south and had many friends and lots of stories about his many experiences. He only retired from actively playing at the age of seventy.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2 p.m. at Tishomingo Baptist Church with Dr. Rusty Fair and Dr. Randy Bostick officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, February 8, 12-2 p.m. at Tishomingo Baptist Church. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Sandra Strickland Howie; his son, Brad Howie, both of Iuka, MS; two grandchildren, Colten and Calli Howie (Adam) of Franklin, TN; his special little buddy and great-great-nephew, Colt Eaton; brothers, Bobby Howie (Carolyn) of Selmer, TN and Frankie Howie (Charlotte) of Iuka, MS; sister, Janice White of Iuka, MS and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Joan Hamm and two brothers, Jerry Howie and Stanley Howie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Men’s Ministry of Tishomingo Baptist Church, P.O. Box 81, Tishomingo, MS 38873 or a charity of your choice.
