Gregory Neal Howell

The world became a little dimmer on the evening of February 6,2025 as the bright light that was Gregory Neal Howell peacefully took his last earthly breath surrounded by the love of family and friends.

He was born in Roanoke Rapids, NC on October 22,1975 to Parham & Beverly Howell. He graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School, then moved to Boone, NC where he earned his Associated Degree from Caldwell Community College before attending Appalachian State University. While in Boone, Greg met many of his closest friends and began a lifelong love affair with bluegrass and improvisational music. He was known for his impeccable timing, hard-driving bass lines, and his willingness to explore the depths & far ends of any jam. His career in music afforded him the opportunity to live art; traveling around the country and sharing the stage with many of his musical heroes.

While music was his gift to the world, his true passion was being a husband and a father. He was so proud of the family he and his wife, Emily Berry Howell, created and loved nothing more than being called daddy by his son, Uriah. These two were inseparable, whether fishing, frisbee golfing, hiking, camping, biking, playing guitar, or just snuggling, there was no place Greg would rather be than by his son’s side. His family’s happiness remained his number one priority until the end.

He would often tell Uriah people will forget what you did and said, but they will never forget the way you made them feel, so be kind and make them feel loved. In his last moments, he was still showing his son how the energy of love given is always reflected back as his friends and family traveled from around the state (and country) to be by his side. The energy of love was pulsating through the room as stories were told, tears were shed, laughter was shared, and beautiful music filled the air as his friends sang him back home. Greg often talked of the music in terms of color, and there was a rainbow of emotion painted in each one of the notes played as he journeyed on. Life is but an experiment in love, and he loved so well.

He was preceded in death by his father, Parham Dixie Howell. He is survived by his wife, Emily Berry Howell, his son, Uriah David Howell, his mother, Beverly Howell, his siblings Angie Howell, Parham Howell, Dixie Medlin, & Amanda Painter, nieces, nephews, and countless friends he considered family.

Those who knew Greg know he loved a party, so in lieu of a traditional funeral service we are currently planning a Celebration of Life Pickin’ Party, with details to follow.