Ernest R Howell,Jr

Obituary For Ernest R Howell,Jr

Ernest Richard Howell, Jr, nicknamed “Ricky” was born at Fort Bragg, NC to the late Lt. Colonel Ernest Richard Howell and Mrs. Temple J. Howell on July 3, 1955. As a military “brat” he attended various schools until he enrolled at North Carolina Central University. He matriculated to law school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but while there he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and answered the call to ministry. Ernest married Jenelsie Owens, left law school and together they embarked upon a journey with the Lord.

They arrived in Tampa in 1979 and he immediately began to search for a church home. He settled at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he yielded to the gift of teaching God’s Word in Sunday school. Later he and Jenelsie worshipped at Glorious Church of God in Christ where he not only taught Sunday School but joined the faculty at their Christian school. His passion for teaching blossomed, and the Lord opened the door for him to become principal. He himself enrolled in school again, but this time to study for an MA degree in Bible theology.

While serving at Glorious Church, Ernest “waxed “strong in the Lord and his knowledge and understanding matured in the Word of God. He exhibited a hunger and thirst for the things of the Lord, believing that “man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

Ernest didn’t ask for much, but he did ask the Lord for a son. Because he knew the Lord would answer, he and Jenelsie waited on the Lord for nine years. With a heart of thanksgiving, he became a father to a promised namesake, Ernest Richard Howell, III in 1988. Being fully persuaded of the faithfulness of God to perform His Word, Ernest led his family in that way and faithfully served in ministry.

Ernest with his wife and son moved to South Hillsborough County as he believed God would establish Grace and Truth Fellowship. This ministry became home to him for over 30 years. As mentioned previously, Ernest had a passion for teaching, but his calling was really to pastor. Consequently, Grace and Truth Fellowship was planted in 1996, and the presence of the Lord has been upon them ever since.

While pastoring, he began to teach again. He found his “safe place” at Ruskin Christian School and poured into the lives of students, families, faculty and staff with great joy. Each day he demonstrated a love for the Lord and a passion for His Word. He was a teacher and mentor for so many as he shared wisdom and shed light to questioning minds that guided and strengthened them in their faith in Jesus Christ.

He embraced the entire community, joined the Southeast Hillsborough Ministerial Association (SHMA) and pastored with fervent commitment to the Lord. At Grace and Truth Fellowship International, Pastor Howell fed the “Word” to God’s flock and “shepherded” them in a tireless manner. He loved and prayed for each one as he fulfilled the charge from the Lord to “…root out, and pull down, and to destroy, and to pull down, to build and to plant.” This is what Ernest lived for: “A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify, a never-dying soul to save and fit it for the sky. To serve this present age, my calling to fulfill; oh, may it all my power engage to do my Master’s will!”

Aware that he was coming to the end of his journey about 2 years ago, Ernest began to converse with his wife, his son and certain others about his “work” being completed — “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.” His body came to a rest from his labor on May 1. Ernest Richard Howell, Jr went to sleep on May 15, 2026.

Precious memories are in the hearts of his mother Rev. Temple J. Howell; wife Jenelsie O. Howell; son Ernest Richard Howell, III; daughter-in-law Marla S. Howell; granddaughters Emery Alice Howell and Emelia Mae Howell; brothers Dr. Michael L. Howell (Renee), Duane W. Howell, PhD (Helene); sister Dr. Temple S. Howell- Stampley (Marion); brother-in-law Winfred E. Owens (Debra); sister-in-law Elsie O. Ridley; maternal aunt Miss. Ollie M. Jackson; several nieces and nephews; several great grand nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.

A Life Celebration Saturday, May 23, 2026, 10:30 AM at First Baptist of Ruskin 820 College Avenue W., with viewing 9:00 am to funeral time.

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