A memorial service for Barry Lynn Howell, age 74, of Fayetteville, TN will be held at 4pm on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Higgins Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be from 1pm until 4pm on Sunday at Higgins.
Barry was born February 19, 1949, in Lincoln County, TN to the late Thomas Marion and Ruby Flynt Howell. During his high school years, Barry developed a skill in machining that determined his path for the next 40 years. Soon after graduating he went to work for NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center as a modeller. Barry created models of many of NASA’s greatest endeavors, including Saturn 1B, Saturn V, the Space Shuttle, early concepts of the International Space Station, the Hubble Space Telescope, and many other vehicles. When he retired, Barry had earned the title of Exhibit Specialist and was well thought of by his colleagues and peers. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and spending time with his family. Barry was always busy with projects and helping others. He passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Donna Long Howell; son, Chris Howell and his wife Kristin; daughter, Jennifer Howell; step-son, Nigel Tipps and his wife Jennifer; granddaughters, Kaleigh Howell, Hannah Howell, Brylee Malone, and Alyssa Howell; great-granddaughters, Ivy Simmons, Gracie Simmons, Priscilla Newsom, and Penelope Newsom; sister, Sue Howell; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Barry was preceded in death by his brothers, Kirt, Lannie, and Randy Howell; and sisters, Joan Howell and Jean Ferguson.
The family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Barry.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Barry Lynn Howell.
I met Barry and his brother Randy at the same time. They were introduced to me by their supervisor as the “two master craftsmen who can make anything you need with just a little bit of plastic, metal, and some paint.” As it turned out Barry (and Randy, too) were more than that: they were the backbone of the exhibits team at Marshall, dedicated perfectionists. I’m proud to have worked and traveled with Barry and considered him a friend.
Sue, I think back to our younger years and all the fun we shared. The Shelton’s and Howell’s together as one family. Our families enjoyed many laughs, tears and fun. Oneita and Barry were “best buds” and now, maybe, they can share laughs again. Donna, my thoughts are with you. May God be with all of you and place His comfort upon you. Love, Sue
My deepest sympathy to all of Barry’s love ones. He was the best of a long time friend you could have. I’ll always remember him with that smile he always wore, his love for dancing & the way he could tear up a dance floor , his kind heart, and just all around a good guy & a wonderful friend. He was more like a brother to me & always had a hug for me & called me Sis. He will always be remembered in my heart & so many others. If you knew him, you had to love him. RIP my friend until we again.
When I first met Barry 16 years ago, I thought he was a grumpy old cuss, and he probably thought I was a fairly useless big talking young city slicker. Over the years we both found out we were wrong. We came to enjoy each other quite a bit.
I have had much admiration for Barry’s deep capability, wry sense of humor, boundless energy, and willingness to help others. I continue to refer to his example in my own life. We will miss him on the earth, but are grateful for our time with him.
Chris. We were so sorry to hear of your dad’s death. We will be praying for you and your family. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time. C.N. and Barbara
Sue, Jim and I are so very saddened by the loss of your brother…I remember your brothers when we were teens hanging out, and of course Jim knew y’all all his life…Godspeed, and prayers for his family.
Donna Chris and family. So sorry for your loss .Barry was so friendly to everyone. He loved his family and it showed
Praying for you all
So sorry for your lost prayers and thoughts are with his family.I watched him dance with Deanna at her wedding to stand in for Kirt was so sweet Connie Arnold
So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this time. Prayers for you all. God Bless, Mary, Teresa Partin, & Billy McGehee
My sincere sympathy to The Howell family. I worked with Barry for many years. He was such a good man and will be missed.
Sincerely,
Lynn Stone
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. He was such a nice guy.
Dear Donna & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort.
This is do sad. Barry was great friend and co-worker. He would always lend you a helping hand whenever it was needed. God Bless Barry and his entire hand.
I worked with Barry for over 30 years and shared many special memories. He was one of those friends who would always make you feel welcomed but would always ” shoot you straight”. I cherish his friendship beyond words. He was one of the good guys. He always called me his little buddy and I called him the same. Prayers to the family in this difficult time. Heaven definitely has a special angel now.
We sure had some good times on the river. He was the sweetest man. He loved the kids and playing with them. My son Ethan adored him as did I.
Sincere condolences to the family
Roy and Marcella scott
Oh what a joy to dance with Barry at functions. He and I had so many good times and conversations during many songs over the years. So sorry to hear of his passing.
We are So Sorry. He was a great person and Long time Friend. God Bless Donna, Sue and All the Family with Comfort and Peace in the days to Come.. 🙏❤️🙏
So sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. Prayers for family.
Sue, Chris, and family, my sincere sympathy at the loss of your loved one. I pray for comfort and understanding now and in the days to come.
My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Sorry to hear of his passing. My
thoughts and prayers to the family.
Donna and family,
I am so so sorry. I thought the world of Barry.
He was always so sweet and had a good heart. My prayers are for you, and all the family to be comforted by our Lord and Savior.
Mr Barry was the most kindest ,heartfelt,and help anyone stranger or friend.There will never be another Barry Howell god bless him and his family.Love you dearly Mr Barry!!
A good man and an even greater friend…his kindness, generosity ,and sense of humor will be missed..Rest peacefully Barry…Your friend Ken Hilliard