Wayne Morris Howell

Wayne Morris Howell, 77 years old, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 12:15 pm. At his passing, he was surrounded by family at his home in Union Grove, North Carolina. The son of the late Morris and Dot Howell, Wayne was born on January 6, 1949, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Jean Morgan. He grew up with a developed work ethic and a deep love for family and friends. Wayne graduated from Hattiesburg High School (1967) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi (1971) and an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Engineering Technology from Northern Virginia Community College later in life. He proudly joined the United States Navy in 1969 under the AVROC program, retiring with the rank of Commander in 1991. He and Mary went on to successfully own and operate an automotive quick lube in Northern Virginia with their life-long friends (the Gabriels). Wayne was a loving and devoted husband to his High School sweetheart, Mary Morlan Howell, for over 55 years. He spent his life caring for his family and was a steadfast pillar of strength for Mary and their sons: Richard, Martin and Andrew. Most importantly, he was a lover of Jesus. His faith was the most important facet of his life. He was actively involved in his home churches during his life, serving as a youth leader, usher, musician and singer. Wayne served during the Vietnam War, flying the EC-130 out of Guam, and continued his aviation career as a flight instructor in the T-28 out of Corpus Christi, Texas. In the years following, Wayne flew the P-3 Orion anti-submarine warfare aircraft, tracking submarines just feet above the ocean. All told, Wayne recorded thousands of hours and circumnavigated the world twice. Wayne and Mary spent much of their retired life RV-ing across the United States and Canada, adding hundreds of birds to their life-lists and experiencing life-changing events, much of the time with just the company of each other and the countless friends they met along the way. Wayne is survived by his wife, Mary; their three sons, Richard (Samantha), Martin (Noelle), and Andrew (Summer); 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Harold (Debbie), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. His family and friends will miss him dearly. Visitation will be from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM Thursday, April 30, at First Baptist Church of Salisbury, 223 N Fulton Street, Salisbury, North Carolina. A celebration of life service will follow at 1:00 PM, officiated by The Reverend Dennis Ackerson and Pastor David Porter. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at Salisbury National Cemetery Annex, 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, North Carolina, promptly at 2:30 PM. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Howell family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com. Flowers or a memorial gift may be sent to First Baptist Church of Salisbury.

Wayne Morris Howell

January 6, 1949 - April 18, 2026