Selma- Freddie Gene Howell, age 74, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. Born in Wayne County on October 25, 1947, he was a son to the late Chester Daniel Howell and Alma Grace Wiggs Howell.

Freddie was an avid farmer for 39 years, and proudly served in the United States Airforce for 4 years. Freddie was a very talented wood worker and loved to build tables, chairs, and swings. He enjoyed feeding birds and birdwatching.

A funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. just prior to the service. Burial will follow Selma Memorial Gardens.

In addition to his parents, Freddie is preceded in death by his daughter, Melodi Thrift, son-in-law, Robert Curtis, and brother, Danny Howell.

Freddie is survived by his wife, Patricia Eatman Howell of Selma; sons, C.G. Howell and wife Nicole of Princeton; Raymond Howell of Wayne County; daughters, Edith Michael of Smithfield; Gina Michael and partner Mark of Morrisville; D'ann Michael of Selma; brothers, Richard Howell of Princeton; Leamon Wiggs and wife Silvia of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Jimmy Worrells Jr. and wife Karen, Lars Thrift, Erik Thrift, Kat Lowery, Gabi Meyers, Coleton Howell, Stephanie Dennis, and great grandchildren, Memphis and William Worrells.