M. C. Howell

M.C. Howell, Jr., 77, of Monroe, passed away on August 10, 2018.

Millard Cleveland Howell, Jr. (M.C.) was born in Anson County Feb. 23, 1941 to Millard C. and Maebelle Smith Howell. He graduated from Ansonville High School in 1959 and from NC State University with a degree in Agriculture Education in 1963. He married Linda Thompson in 1961.

He taught agriculture at Randleman High School for two years before moving to Monroe in 1965 to become the 4-H agent for the Union County Agricultural Extension Service. He loved his work with 4-H, working with many young people and taking groups to 4-H camps, retreats, state and national 4-H Congress, the Bahamas, and the 1976 Olympics in Montreal to name a few. He was proud that he put Union County 4-H on the map as the home of many state and national champions in demonstrations and project record books over the years.

He later became the Extension Director and earned his Masters degree in Adult Education from NC State.  He was very proud of Union County and its strong agricultural traditions. He witnessed the huge expansion of the poultry industry in the county, but remained equally interested in small family farms and backyard gardens. He was especially proud of Ag Appreciation Week, which highlighted the impact of agriculture on the county, and of the building of the Union County Farmers Market, both of which occurred during his years of service.

He left the extension service in 1992 and retired from the state of North Carolina in 1994. He later managed the NC/SC District Agricultural Fair in Monroe for several years, insisting that it meet all the state requirements for educational displays and agricultural competition categories to be a true agricultural fair rather than just a carnival.

He was well known for his cooking, and many people have tasted his barbecue and other specialties. He was always willing to help others in any way he could and treasured his family and friends.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda, his daughters Missy Howell, Melanie Howell, Monica McGinniss (Jim), and son Tripp, three grandchildren, Megan, Braxton, and Luke McGinniss, all of Monroe, two brothers, Bob Howell (Diane) of Durham and Gary Howell (Cyndy) of Cary, a sister, Debbie Allen (Lannie) of Ansonville, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Maebelle Howell, and two sisters Anna Woodall and Nancy Funderburk.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Concord United Methodist Church, 327 Concord Church Rd., Wadesboro, NC 28170. CRE Ken Goins will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 Monday evening August 13, 2018 at First Baptist Church parlor, 109 Morrow Ave., Monroe, NC 28112 and one hour prior to the service at Concord United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Concord UMC, c/o Carla Shankle, 3655 Randall Rd., Polkton, NC 28135.

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