February 18, 2025, 85, Goldsboro —
On Tuesday, February 18th, 2025, Edgar Maxwell “Max” Howell (85) entered into his heavenly reward and is now healed and whole and worshipping his savior Jesus Christ with family and friends who have gone on before him. At the time of his death, he was surrounded with love and support by his wife and all three children, as well as a few extended family members.
Visitation will be on Monday, February 24th, from 5:30 until 7:00 pm at Seymour Funeral Home and a funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm in the chapel. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, February 25th at the Howell Cemetery on Stoney Creek Church Road in Patetown. Pastor Rev. Arnold Ball and Rev. Ricky Nelms (son-in-law) will officiate both the funeral and graveside services.
Max is survived by his loving wife of 66 ½ years, Hazel W. Howell. He is also survived by his three children and their families: Rev. Sherwood M. Howell and wife, Lori, of Goldsboro, and sons: Joshua and partner, Rhonda Sue, of Indiana (Delynn Turner of Virginia and Ryan Turner of Indiana); Caleb and wife, Beth (Jameson) of Ohio, and Jordan of Goldsboro; Darnell Howell Nelms and husband, Rev. Ricky, of Elm City; and R. E. Howell and partner, Jill, and sons: Sebastian and Thorgan, of Goldsboro. Additionally, he is survived by three of his siblings: Dorothy H. Strickland and husband, Merrill, of Saulston; Brenda H. Wall and husband, Jimmy, of Patetown; and Randy Howell of Mount Olive, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Max is preceded in death by his parents Edgar P. D. Howell and Rosa Mae Chase; brothers Marvin Ray and his wife, Nancy, and Bobby Gerald and his wife, Margaret and sister Ruth Howell Holloman and her husband, Harvey. Additionally, he has been preceded in death by all of his aunts and uncles as well as some nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Max’s faith in Jesus started in September of 1960 and he joined the membership of the Patetown Church of God shortly thereafter for 27 years. Currently, Max was a member of the LaGrange Church of God for the last 35 years. However, for approximately 3 ½ years, he had attended Pentecostal Christian Assembly when it was located on Atlantic Avenue in Goldsboro to assist and support his son who was serving as the Pastor. During his 65 years as a Christian, Max served his Lord and the church in various roles such as a choir and music director as well as a band member, Sunday School Adult Class teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, usher, Church clerk, Pastor’s Council member and Church Board member. He also served in leadership roles in both the Men’s Fellowship Ministry and in the Youth Ministry. Additionally, Max was a member of the Patetown COG Quartet which traveled over Wayne County to sing for homecomings and special services over several years. Later in life, he became the owner and operator of the Spring Creek Music Barn and began traveling with the blue glass gospel group to play and sing at various nursing homes in the area. Max also served several years as a volunteer fireman at the Patetown Fire Department.
During his almost 86 years of life, Max was employed at Wayne Dairy, Merita Bread, and Textilease before becoming self-employed as a poultry farmer for almost 30 years. He was also the owner of Rapid Repair for 4 years, followed by employment at Car Gen, Griffin Exterminating, and Elk Electric before becoming the owner/operator of Spring Creek Electric. His greatest joy in life, other than church and family, was making music and making people laugh.
Pallbearers will be Allen Anderson, Parker Ball, Landon Carter, Tim Howell, Tommy Pate, and Ira Williford. Honorary pallbearers will be Dean Barfield, Tommy Benton, Joel Howell, Tommy Howell, Joseph Wade, and Eddie Wall.
Finally, Max’s family would like to say a very special THANK YOU for the exceptional care provided by the following: UNC Wayne Memorial Hospital 3rd floor nurses (Diamond, Kista, and Meghan), CenterWell staff (Adriane, Amber, Brandi, Donna, Hannah, Joy, Lori, Ronnae, Stephanie, and Tori), and Gentiva Hospice (Adam, Chassidy, Morgan, Sheree, and Summer). The extra tenderness, care, and kindness you extended to our husband and dad is so deeply appreciated and we are so sincerely grateful for you all!
