Born in Spartanburg, S.C., he was the son of Betty Shields Howell of Inman, S.C., and the late O&squo;Dell Howell. Mr. Howell graduated from Chapman High School, earned his bachelor&squo;s degree from Gardner-Webb University where he was an All-American in track and an outstanding student teacher. He went on to earn his master&squo;s degree from Converse College in elementary education and his EDS from Converse.

Mr. Howell began his career at Mill Spring Elementary School in 1978, teaching sixth grade and later became principal of Mill Spring Accelerated School until its closure. After Mill Spring&squo;s closure, he became assistant principal at Polk Central School for several years and in 1999 the principal of Sunny View Elementary where he served until his recent retirement.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife, Susan Arledge Howell of the home; two sons, Jeffrey Howell (Myra) of Hendersonville, N.C., and Joshua Howell of Greensboro, N.C.; one brother, Rev. Terry Howell (Brenda) of Boiling Springs, S.C.; one sister, Judy Smith (Wayne) of Arden, N.C.&bsp; Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2009 in Lake Bowen Baptist Church, Boiling Springs, S.C., with Rev. Mark Williams officiating.

Burial will be in Silver Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Mill Spring.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, NC.

Memorials may be made to the Rick Howell Seeds of Education Fund, c/o Polk County Schools, 125 E. Mills Street, Columbus, NC 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel,&bsp; Tryon, is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary