David Warren Howell, age 79, of Lavonia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Born on August 4, 1945, in Washington, GA, David was one of twelve children of the late James Alfred Howell and Emma Ozene Story Howell. He spent his formative years in Milledgeville. A proud veteran of the US Navy, David dedicated his life to serving others. After his military service, he moved to Lavonia, where he raised his family and became an integral part of the community. He retired from the US Postal Service after many years as a mail carrier, was an active volunteer with the Lavonia Lions Club, a member of the Lavonia Masonic Lodge No. 241, and a longtime Boy Scout leader. David also served on the Lavonia City Council for twelve years, demonstrating his commitment to public service.

David was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sisters Mary Faye Minter, Emma Ruth Blount, and Betty Jean Marsh, and his brothers Ezra Howell, Cary Story, James Howell, Dennis Johnson, and Danny Howell.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary McNeff Howell; his daughters, Tammy Walker and Jamie (Jeff) Hammock; his son, Brad Howell; and his bonus-children, Gary McNeff, Jerry McNeff, Larry McNeff, Carrie Albrecht, and Mary Watts. He is also survived by his sisters, Rachel McDaniel and Martha Howell; his brother, Tim Howell; his grandchildren, Jackson Howell, Nick Howell, Noah Howell, Billy Hammock, Wyatt Hammock, Jessica Darcey, Jake Walker, and Julia Walker; and his bonus-grandchildren, Christina McNeff, Kayla McNeff, Steven McNeff, Sean McNeff, Zackary McNeff, James Machie, RJ Albrecht, Patrick Albrecht, and Tyler Albrecht. Additionally, David is survived by his great-grandchildren, Caden Cameron and Knox Howell, and his bonus-great-grandchildren, Kaia Rose McNeff, Theo McNeff, Madison McNeff, Colin McNeff, and Carter Albrecht.

A funeral service to honor David's life will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Lavonia First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ben Wilcox and the Rev. Dr. Hugh Hendrickson officiating. Interment will follow in the Lavonia City – Burgess Cemetery, with David's grandsons serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday night from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lavonia First United Methodist Church, 25 Baker Street, Lavonia, GA 30553.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the online guest register, please visit stricklandfh.com.