Ronald Vonzell Howell

Ronald Vonzell Howell was born August 29, 1954, to the late Simon Woodrow Howell and Lucille Marie Howell, in Milton, Delaware. He departed this life on the afternoon of December 23, 2017. Ronald was the youngest son of fifteen children, three of whom preceded him in death: James Howell, Simon Howell, and Carl Howell. Ronald was also preceded in death by his twin brother at infancy. He is survived by his four brothers and seven sisters; Essie Fountain, Milton, DE; Audrey Sharpe (Willie) Atlanta, GA; Shirley Howell, Ellendale, DE; Bobby Griffin (Mary) Greensboro, NC; Randolph Griffin (Bobbi), Taylor, TX; Jean Hazzard (Solomon), Lincoln, DE; Cornelius Howell, Lincoln, DE; Emory Howell (Otisia), Houston, DE; Beverly Saez (Jose), Milton, DE; Felicia Savage (Elmer), Blades, DE; Faith Harris (Clarence Jr.), Ellendale, DE. Ronald was educated in the Sussex County Educational System. He was a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School. Ronald was inducted into the U. S. Army where he served as a cook. After serving in the U.S. Army Ronald was employed as a poultry worker for over 20 plus years. In his later years he found it to be enjoyable to work as a handyman and landscaper in the community. He enjoyed being able to work alongside his son Thaddeus. Ronald known to many as Ronnie, however best was known as “Hollywood” or “Red.” Ronald was known to be a mischievous child. As a youngster he could be found during the summers enjoying time with his siblings at Fowlers Beach, fishing, swimming and playing all around the Slaughter Neck and Greentop neighborhood. He was the baby boy of the family, his siblings even remember him being the spoiled one most of all. In his early years he became a car enthusiast and his most treasured possession was his 1972 Ford Torino a fiery red color. As his children grew up they could be found spending quality time at family cookouts, and enjoying lots of laughs as the children played at Trappe Pond State Park. Ronald was a free spirit he made sure to enjoy his life the way he wanted and was best known for his very own words “I’m the best that ever did it and got away with it,” he loved to just have a good time. He was known for singing his favorites old gospel spirituals and Motown Era music or songs. He would often sing upon request at church, work and for his friends and family. Ronald’s most favorite go to songs were “Save a Seat for Me” and “Sending up My Timber.” He also brought his love for cooking to his grandchildren that were brave enough to eat his food. If you didn’t get to the remote control fast enough you would be stuck watching his favorite Western television shows for hours on end. Ronald loved his spending quality time with his family he had a special love for his grandchildren watching them at their sporting events and cheering them on whenever he got the chance. Ronald leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters, Ronshell Shockley (Ernest), Berlin, MD; Yvonne Howell, Berlin, MD ; three sons; Ronald V. Howell (Antoinette) Berlin, MD; Thaddeus J. Howell (Christina) Berlin, MD and Markez Garrison of Smyrna, DE; Eleven Grandchildren, One Great Grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be deeply and forever missed. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Vonzell Howell, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Ronald Vonzell Howell

August 29, 1954 - December 23, 2017