Milton Eric Howell

Milton Eric Howell, age 65, died December 14, 2024.

Eric was born October 12, 1959 to Milton Earl Howell and Lillian “Jackie” Howell. A native of Farmville, attended Farmville Central High School. At a young age he became a school bus driver, avid FCHS Jaguar football player, and drummer in the high school band. A talented musician, his love for drums continued throughout his life with his dear friends in many bands such as Southern Accent, Black Rose, Southern Storm, The Raydiators, The Nicky Harris Band, and CODA to name a few. Eric began his career very early in life as a radio announcer for  Farmville’s very own radio station WFAG. This opened the pathway for him to attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville to earn a degree in Radio Engineering. His career continued by working at WNOX and later moved to Rocky Mount, NC to become the radio personality “Dr. ROCK” for radio station WEED. There, he met the love of his life, Kathi.

Eric and Kathi were married March 1, 1981 in Dunn, NC. Soon afterwards they relocated back to Farmville as Eric was hired to be a radio announcer for WNCT. After years of being in the radio industry he pursued a career in sales and finance where he retired in 2020 as the manager of Carolina Finance Company in Kinston NC. Upon retirement, Eric and his bride Kathi moved to their dream home in historic Bath, NC.

Eric was a lover of animals and rehabilitated many throughout his life earning the name from his beloved family as “The Doctor Doolittle”. In his spare time, he enjoyed painting, riding Harley Davidson’s with his dear friends Gary, Donna, Billy, Michelle, Tony, and Kathi, and boating with his family and grandkids.

Eric is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathryn Lorraine Huggins Howell; his daughter Amanda Howell Paterson and husband Quinten Paterson of Carolina Shores, NC; son Matthew Eric Howell of Walstonburg, NC; daughter Alyssa Howell Baysden and husband Bobby Baysden of Ayden, NC; and son Adam McBryde Howell and wife Ashley Howell of Washington, NC. Together, Eric and Kathi share four beautiful and beloved grandchildren: Quincy and Griffin Paterson, Lorelei Baysden, and Braxton Howell.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday December 17 at 3:00 P.M. at the Farmville Presbyterian Church by Rev. Rocky Stone. Interment will follow in Hollywood Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.farmvillefh.com. 

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