Dr. Thomas R Howell

Dr. Thomas R. Howell, 79, of Laurel, born February 15, 1936, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday, February 11, 2016, at Memory Chapel in Laurel. Throughout the nearly eighty years of his life, Dr. Thomas R. “Tommy” Howell exhibited a passion for excellence and a passion for service to his country and his community. He graduated from Jones County Agricultural High School in 1955 and immediately embarked upon an educational path that took him to Jones County Junior College where he graduated with an Associate degree. Following graduation from JCJC, he attended The University of Southern Mississippi earning a Bachelor of Science degree before graduating from The University of Tennessee with his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1965. He returned to Laurel and was one of the original founders of Laurel Family Clinic. He then completed his Surgery Residence in Birmingham, Alabama and practiced General Surgery for many years in Laurel at South Central Regional Medical Center. He also proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserve earning an Honorable Discharge in 1962. Throughout his medical career, Dr. Tom Howell was dedicated to his patients and his colleagues and literally helped thousands of people with their medical concerns. Dr. Howell loved his family, his colleagues, and his patients with uncommon zeal. His devotion to the practice of medicine earned him many accolades; however, it was always his patients who came first and for whom he sacrificed his time and utilized his God-given talents. Without a doubt, he will always be remembered for his compassion for those who came to him seeking medical aid as he upheld the highest traditions of the Hippocratic Oath. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Dot Gibson, Edna McWhorter, Lucy Boler, Roger Howell, and Jimmy Howell. Survivors include his wife, Martha Howell; son, Kyle Howell and wife, Lori; daughter, Dana Howell; daughter-in-law, Carmen Rowzee; six grandchildren, Savannah Bauer, Harleigh Howell, Wyatt Howell, and Jacob Bauer; and two step-grandchildren, Charles Benjamin Smith and Madelyn Smith. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Dr. Thomas R Howell

February 15, 1936 - February 9, 2016