James Randolph “Randy” Howell, 57, of Rockingham, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, June 12, 2010 at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, Bolingbrook, Illinois. He was born Sept. 19, 1952 in Richmond County. Randy was a lifelong member of East Rockingham United Methodist Church. Randy was also a founding member of East Rockingham Fire Department. He was the class clown; full of humor and wit and an excellent cook. Randy was an avid hunter and a fan of the Carolina Tar Heels and N.Y. Yankees. He worked with electronics, repairing TVs, and was a truck driver with Werner Trucking Company.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 11 a.m. at East Rockingham United Methodist Church with Rev. Vann Floyd officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park.

Surviving are his daughter, Maranda Howell Robinson (Daniel) of Liberty; parents, James L. and Betty Jenkins Howell of Rockingham; grandchildren, Mason and Natalie Robinson both of Liberty; sisters, Gay Lynn Thurston (Bryan) of Naples, FL and Connie Kelly (Steve) of Rockingham; brothers, Timmy Howell of Hamlet and Mark Howell (Heather) of Rockingham; nieces and a nephew, Jennifer, Katie, Brooke, Kevin, Regann, Kylie Jo, and Evie Rae; an aunt, Jean Moore (Richard) of Hamlet; an uncle, Bruce Howell (Georgia) of Asheboro; and a great aunt, Annie Ruth Wright of Hamlet.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 16, 2010 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham and at other times at 413 Louise Ave., Rockingham.

Memorial contributions may be made to East Rockingham Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1506, Rockingham, NC 28380.

Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home is serving the family.