Howell Robinson Jones, a native of Vicksburg, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. He was the third child of Lucy Hollis and Edley Jones, Jr.

From an early age, Howell was always attuned to what was occurring around him, including as a child in church where he was convinced that the third phrase of the Lord’s Prayer was “Howell be Thy name.”

He continued to always be aware of others in the world, as demonstrated by his childhood blessings at the table which included after family, every creature on Earth he could think of, to the point where the fried chicken got cold and his father upset.

He attended Saint Aloysius High School where he first demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by charging attendance for parties while his parents were out of town.

He famously knew the price to clean the shag carpets in his home, and ultimately, when his father was told of these sprawling events, he was impressed that Howell was so astute for making a profit. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Mississippi.

After graduating, he married his high school sweetheart, Marianne May, and they shared three sons, Howell Robinson Jr. (Christen) Jones, James Bray (Iris) Jones and Eric McGraw “Mac” (fiancé Renee) Jones.

He has two granddaughters, Layton and Hollis.

Howell moved to Dallas in 2008 and it is where his heart found new love as he married Angela Campbell in 2021, and where they built a life enriched with happiness and companionship.

He was beloved and embraced by her three sons, Thomas, Alexander and Jonathan.

His commitment to service continued to shine brightly through his involvement with the Rotary Club, a legacy carried from his father and grandfather. He participated in the annual Bike Rodeo which the Club uses to teach bike safety to young children to reduce the incidence of deadly bike accidents and traumatic brain injury to kids.

He assisted the Club’s participation in the Safer Dallas Better Dallas organization which raises money for the Dallas Police Department so they can purchase needed safety equipment that their regular city budget doesn’t provide.

Howell lived his life with a tender heart, a kind soul, and a mischievous twinkle in his eye that no doubt reminds the reader of a story or two about how he lived life to the fullest.

Howell’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of those he touched.

We will remember him for his boundless energy, his generous heart and his ability to make every moment a celebration.

A celebration of Howell’s life will be held on Dec. 16, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., at White Rock Boat House. 340 E Lawther Dr. Dallas, TX 75214, followed immediately afterward by a reception with food and drinks at the Tricky Fish.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Rotary Club International (Rotary.org) would be a fitting tribute to Howell’s commitment to community service.

He is survived by his wife; three sons; two granddaughters; a sister, Tupper England and her family; his brother, Edley Jones III; and his family and his three stepsons.

Howell, your spirit of adventure and your legacy of love and friendship will forever be cherished. You will be dearly missed.