MICHAEL HOWELL

Michael Howell, age 60, of Columbiana, AL, formerly of Dothan, AL, passed away June 4, 2024, at Grandview Hospital in Birmingham, AL.

Graveside services for Mr. Howell will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM EST at Memory Hill Cemetery Hartford Hwy Dothan, AL.

He was born July 25, 1963, at Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Illinois to Joel and Carolyn Howell. Michael, who we called Mike, was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother.  He was very much loved and cherished by his whole family, especially all of his children, whose lives he deeply touched forever.  Mike was known to all as being a wonderful, kind man, just the greatest guy ever.  Everyone would say Mike was a brilliant guy, but the most humble and down to earth guy you would ever meet.  He was full of wisdom, counseling all his kids, family and friends; never ceasing to amaze me with how he knew just what to say to help and aspire others.

Michael had a passion for learning.  He was highly skilled and self taught at building impressive computer data bases.  He was talented at managing people and improving processes.  He had an unique ability to make everyone and everything around him better.  He was a much loved and respected manager, director by all the people he worked for, by all of his coworkers and of the employees who worked for him.

Michael was always a loyal employee, working at Buffalo Rock Pepsi for about 30 years.  While there he received the first and second prestigious Presidential Award for his work, writing a book on repairing equipment and computer data based work.  He later went on to work at Hygla, Stryker, Pinnacle, and AC Legg.  After retiring from management, he worked at Dominoes, enjoying life at a lighter pace.  He was a favorite employee, making everyone's day at work a little brighter.  

Michael enjoyed camping with his family and spending time on the lake in his boat.  Whether he was riding or catching the big cats, he loved being on the lake.  He said being on the lake was the place he felt most at peace, his happy place!

Mike accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1999. It gives us peace to know we will see him again.

Michael is survived by his wife, Ginger Howell; his children, Alyssa Lien, Luke Lien, Priscilla Howell, Cecilia Howell, Liz Hofacker (Dave), Charlie Pacanins; his mother, Carolyn Howell; his brother, Jimmy Howell; his grandkids, Kaysen Ritch, Kinly Lien, Hudson Lien, Amari Karina Smith, and Ava Leigh Lien.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joel Lamar Howell, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Rutan and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Howell. 


(Obituary submitted by the family)