Robert Taylor Howell

Robert Taylor Howell, 81, of 29 White Oak Road, Eure, NC, died Friday, January 24, 2014 in his home. Mr. Howell was born in Gates County and was the son of the late John Robert and Helen Piland Howell. Retired from Union Camp in Franklin, VA after 37 years of employment, he was a life-long farmer and had particularly enjoyed working with his grape vines and apple orchard. A faithful member of Eure Christian Church, he also enjoyed memberships in Gatesville Masonic Lodge #126, South Mills Chapter #270 of the Order of the Eastern Star, was an honorary member of New Lebanon Masonic Lodge #314, and former member of Gates County Chapter #335 of the Order of the Eastern Star. An avid hunter, he was a member of Gatesville Hunt Club and an honorary member of White Oak Hunt Club. He was an Army veteran. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Umphlett. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Ann Parker Howell; two daughters, Terry Roberts and husband Phill of Ahoskie and Vanessa Truman and husband Keith of Eure; a brother, Lowell Howell of Eure; two grandsons, Kyle and Cory Truman; and four great-grandchildren, Creed, Evangeline, Noel and Breelyn, and two more on the way. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2:00 p.m. in Eure Christian Church by Pastors Michael Brinkley and Kyle Truman. Burial with Masonic rites will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, and other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to any chapter of the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.