Robert Lee Howell, also known as "Turkey Claw" by some and "Pappy" by others , was born in Arlington, VA on January 28, 1932. Robert departed this life on September 12, 2012 at Washington County Hospital. He was the son of the late William Frank Howell and Addie Lee Gaddy Howell.

Robert attended Robeson County Schools in Lumberton, NC. He later moved to Plymouth where he worked for Georgia Pacific. He later began a long career in he seafood industry as a truck driver at Etheridge Seafood in Wanchese, NC. During his leisure time, he enjoyed golfing, hunting, and "kicking it with the fellows".

Robert leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 37 years-Mary Brown Howell, four sons- Michael Brown-Akron, OH, Marvin Brown-Raleigh, NC., Martin Brown-Lawrenceville, GA, Masodon Brown- Raleigh, one daughter- Michelle Howell Carter- Plymouth, NC, six sisters- Gertrude Hill, Carthelia Smith, Sylvia Howell, Maggie Howell, Betty Bethea, Hazel Jones, four brothers- Ernest Howell, John Howell, Kenneth Howell, and Jerry Howell, one sister-in-law- Deloris Purvis, four brothers-in-law- Ernest Brown, Sam Brown, Alfred Brown, and Aronius Brown, 16 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by brothers Alfonzo Howell, Arthur Howell, and Leslie Howell and a sister Rebecca Brammer.

Funeral services were held 3:00PM Wednesday September 19, 2012 at Spring Green Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) with Elder Stanley Hicks, pastor and Elder Thomas Pittman, officiating.