L. Wayne Howell

L. Wayne Howell, 81, of Athens, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on January 22nd, 2022.

Wayne was born March 9, 1940 in Irwinville, Georgia, to the late Alta and Woodrow Howell. Wayne retired from Farmers Home Administration, USDA, where he served as Chief of Rural Housing. Wayne worked with FHA for over 30 years and took pride in helping families achieve their dreams of home ownership. In doing this, he made friends all over the state. In school he was actively involved in FFA and hog projects. He went on to graduate from the University of Georgia with a Degree in Agricultural Economics. He loved restoring antique cars and was a member of the Athens Antique Car Club for many years. He was a longtime member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and anywhere there was a need, including hosting youth suppers and serving family night meals. In recent years, he was a member of Winterville Baptist Church. He has been a member of Gideons International for over 30 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ella Gentle Howell. “His girls,” Angelia H. Pass and husband, Jeff of Colbert, GA and Lynn H. Gay and husband, Dennis of Irwinville, GA.. Four Grandchildren; Bradley Pass, Mary Kate Pass, William Gay and wife Laura Gay, Amanda Seawright and husband Chad Seawright. Five Greatgrandchildren; Ella Kate Gay, Clayton Gay, Grady Gay, Cooper Seawright and Lucy Seawright.

Visitation will be at Irwinville Baptist Church Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 10:00am. A graveside service will follow at Irwinville Cemetery at 11:00am with the Reverends Sonny Pate and Ray Johnson.

If so desired memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International or St Jude Children's Hospital.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST and Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, GA are in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com