LCDR Norman B. Howell

LCDR Norman B. Howell, 82, of Middleburg, FL, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2010. He was born on December 18, 1927 in Candler, NC to parents, George and Bonnie Howell. Norm joined the US Navy immediately after WW II and rose through all enlisted grades, retiring in 1977 as a Lieutenant Commander. He was widely decorated being awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V for Valor for heroic service in Viet Nam. Additionally he was awarded the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross while in command of a Navy combat River Patrol Squadron on the rivers of the IV Corps in the RVN. Norman was later awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his unique contributions to training shipboard crews in lifesaving and combat skills. His retirement was commemorated by the Royal Navy band from the British aircraft carrier HMS Arc Royal, which played for the Service. Following his Naval Service Norman served in the overseas operation of local Engineers, Reynolds Smith and Hills, were he was a Vice President residing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and managed the firm’s significant project volume in that Region. Norman moved to the local area in 1972 from California and was a member and former Deacon at First Baptist Church of Middleburg, FL. He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion and enjoyed playing golf. Norman was preceded in death by his parents and by his sons, Robert Howell and Brice Dale Howell. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Constance J. Howell; sons, Glenn Howell (Susan) and John Howell, all of Jacksonville Beach, FL; daughters, Margaret Howell of Tampa, FL, Elizabeth Howell of Jacksonville Beach, FL and Shelly Brown (Mike) of Jacksonville, FL; sister, Nancy O’Brien (Mike) of Orange Park, FL; nephew, Scott O’Brien; 7 grandchildren, Zachary, Dillon, Hunter, Brice, Sarah, Mallory and Veronica and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, March 25, 2010 at First Baptist Church of Middleburg with Dr. C. Alan Floyd officiating. Visitation will be in the church from 10:00 am until service time. Interment will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery with full military honors at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to First Baptist Church of Middleburg Building Fund, 2645 Blanding Boulevard, Middleburg, FL 32068. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.