of Little Rock, AR
September 29, 1939 - October 5, 2023
Coburn "Buddy" Sayre Howell Jr., M.D. died on October 5th, 2023 at the age of 84 of complications of cancer. He was born September 29, 1939 in Wynne, AR to Coburn S. Howell Sr. and Helen May Howell.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn Howell and sister, Sue Kono (Denny). He is survived by his brother, James Tennyson Howell (Ida) and by his children and their spouses, Renee Cox (Kurt), Coburn Howell III (Kim), Christopher Howell. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and their spouse,s Garret Cox (Abbey), Coburn S. Howell IV (Lauren), Josiah Cox, Madison Cox, Evie Howell and Brock Howell. From these grandchildren he also has 4 great-grandchildren, Johanna Cox, Jace Cox, Emma Cox and Coburn S. Howell V.
He graduated from Wynne High School in 1957, then from Hendrix College in 1961, then attended UAMS College of Medicine where he graduated in 1965. From there, he joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Warner Robbins, GA. He completed residency training in Neurology at UAMS and Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, TX.
He was a founding member of Neurology Associates in 1972, where he practiced for 34 years while being on staff at St. Vincent Infirmary, Baptist Medical Center, Doctors Hospital and the University of Arkansas Medical Center. During this time, he was acting as Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology for the University of Arkansas School of Medicine, a position he held for 34 years. He was not only a teacher, but also involved in numerous medical research studies, which led to him being published in "The Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society". After retirement, he continued his work in Neurology with Veteran Affairs at the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center in North Little Rock, where he worked until illness forced him to fully retire.
Being a physician was a large part of his life, but it wasn't what defined him. He was a fiercely devoted family man and friend. Known as "Buddy" to his friends, he never missed a Thursday morning breakfast "meeting" at St. Vincent with his colleagues. To his family he gave the gift of experiences through travel and this led to his second passion in life, photography. This love of travel took him and his family to all 7 continents, with tens of thousands of photographs along the way. His photography and videography continued even when he wasn't traveling, he was known for shooting game film at a few of the local high schools, filming the music at church, school plays, weddings and other events. He never wanted to be paid for his work because he loved the joy his final product brought.
In 1998, his nickname transitioned from "Buddy" to "Ba" with the birth of his first grandchild. He eagerly slipped into the role of grandfather and delighted in spoiling each one of them as they came along.
After the death of his beloved wife, he was fortunate to find Lois Hargrove, a companion with whom he could continue traveling and enjoying life.
Coburn S. "Buddy" "Ba" Howell Jr. was a man that loved Jesus and while he spent the last few years fighting illness and a declining body, we are delighted to know that he is now fully restored in heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation in his memory to The Little Rock Bible Church, where he was a member for more than 50 years.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 1:00PM, with the Funeral Service to be held at 2:00 PM at New Life Church in Bryant, Arkansas. Burial will follow afterward at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Please sign the online guest book.
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11 Condolence(s)
Shirley Syrus
Friday, November 17, 2023
My deepest condolences for your lost of Avery great and loving friend, really enjoyed talking care of him.
Dr Dan Dillard
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Buddy was my “go to” neurologist for many years and I miss his expertise and warm consultations. He was 6 years ahead of me at Hendrix.
Nikki Lockett
Monday, October 9, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Howell family. Dr. Howell was a very kind and humble man. It was many years ago that I was around him; he always was very kind to me and made me feel welcome. He was a very good family man.
Lilian Herman
Sunday, October 8, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. Buddy had an amazing life and I know he is resting in peace. I met, and visited with him, several times as both a child and an adult. He was always pleasant and I have a very early, and fond, memory of him 'treating' my scraped knee when I was vey little.
You are all in my thoughts.
Lil Herman - granddaughter of Pauline Howell Herman.
Donald R Swaby
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Although several years behind Buddy in school, I knew him because of one of my best friends, his brother Tenny. I still remember him with great respect and fondness.
Christie Howell
Sunday, October 8, 2023
Uncle Buddy will be missed. He was always kind, and funny, and happy to hear what everyone was up to. Love and hugs to you all.
Christie, Kim, Ruth, Matthew, and Amanda, Sarah and Sean
Karen Johnson
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Colby, I have been praying for you. It sounds like he was such a smart, loving man. So thankful you had him all these years and know he will be waiting for you in heaven with arms open wide. I would like to be at services and hear you speak but attending a funeral right now would be extremely hard for me. I hope you understand. I will be praying for you Tuesday.
Carla & Eddie Milligan
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Even Jesus wept at loss of his friend, Lazarus. Those who knew and loved Buddy are also saddened for the earthly loss of such a wonderful father, grandfather, physician and friend, but we have the eternal promise of our Lord and Savior that we will one day be reunited with those who have put their faith in Him. My prayers for peace and comfort to surround you all during this time of loss.
Carla Milligan
Carolyn Smith
Saturday, October 7, 2023
I am excited to know that he is with my sister again. Right where he belongs. Also all those that has gone before him. But the main one, he is with Jesus. That’s the best part of going to heaven. To be in his presence, the presence of Jesus. Healed, totally healed!
Stephanie DeBerry
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Buddy was one of the kindest men I have known. Never a complaint and always thankful for the smallest of things. Our family came to love him and his sweet spirit very much. I'm thankful for the fun and travels that he and Mom, Lois Hargrove, experienced together. They were great companions and friends. Buddy is already greatly missed.
Bridget Herman Hart McElroy
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Always, always smiling. We cousins in Wynne will miss you, Buddy. You were always there for me.