LEE CLAYTON HOWELL

SPRUCE PINE- Clayton Lee Howell,82 of Swiss Pine Lake Drive, Spruce Pine, died on Tuesday Dec. 12,2006. He was one of 13 children of the late Troy and Elsie Jarrett Howell of Boonford and Newdale.

Lee attended school at Micaville, then left school to work on his father's farm to help support the family. After the attack on Pear Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and saw action in several battles in the Pacific, including the battle for Okinawa. Lee received several medals for his military service. Upon returning home to Boonford, he went to work on the family farm and then at International Mineral corporation.

In the early 1950's, Lee went to work for his brother and best friend, Ray Howell at Howell hardware in Spruce Pine. In 1969 Lee and Ray became partners in Howell Furniture & Appliance Company. Lee was known for his honesty, quite nature, and customer service. In the early 1990's Lee and Ray sold the business which is still operated under the name of Howell Furniture & Appliance today. Instead of retiring, Lee changed careers and began raising Christmas trees and cattle. He enjoyed the solitude of farming and was known for growing a quality Christmas tree. In addition to his work, Lee had several hobbies and interest. He enjoyed fishing, boating, water skiing, raising and riding horses. In his later years he particularly enjoyed playing golf with his friends.

Lee was a devout Christian, devoted and loyal member of the Newdale Presbyterian church for over 50 years.

He served as either a Deacon, Elder , or member of the church choir. Lee was known for his high standards of conduct which included the rules by which he lived his life.
(1)Always pay your debts.
(2)Never take what doesn't belong to you.
(3)Always be honest.
(4)Always work hard.
(5)Believe in God. Lee was a leader in his church, and his community a good man.

Although successful in business, through interlligence and hard work, he
regretted his lack of education. He encouraged he Son and Grandson to continue their education, and was particularly proud that his son and both of the grandsons all obtained college degree. He was also proud of the many accomplishments of he nieces and nephews.

Surviors include his beloved and devoted wife of 60 years. Herma Thomas Howell: his son and daughte-inlaw., Dennis Lee Howell and wife, Marlyn Howell; grandsons, Christopher Lee Howell and wife Jenny; and Andrew Jackson Howell; and his great-grandchildren, Colleen Howell and Tate Howell. He is also survived by his sisters, Kate Bartlett of Greensboro and Maude Green and Dorthy Grindstaff of Bakersville and a mulitiude of loved nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 2pm, Thursday at Newdale Presbyterian Chruch. The Rev. Michael Brazelle will officiate. Burial will be there after in the church cemetery. The familly will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Wednesday at Webb Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Newdale Presbyterian Chruch, Newdale Church Road, Burnsville, NC 28714 or Hospice of Mitchell County, PO Box 38 Spruce Pine, North Carolina. 28777.