Earnest Phil Howell

Earnest Phil Howell better known as Phil age 66 of Jefferson,  passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Johnson City Medical Center. He was born in Ashe County on June 22, 1959 to the late Earnest McKinley and Ella Jean Patrick Howell.

“Pops” attended Beaver Creek High School before earning his degree in Radio Broadcasting in 1979. He began his radio career with 580 WKSK for five years, where listeners started their mornings with Phil Howell’s Power Hour.

After several years in broadcasting, Pops attended Appalachian State University to earn his degree in Elementary Education in 1987. A lifelong passion for working with youth led him to coaching sports at Beaver Creek. His dedication to education inspired him to pursue a Master’s degree in 1995 in Leadership Education, after which he accepted administrative positions as Assistant Principal at Northwest Ashe and later Mt. View Elementary. He went on to serve as Principal at Piney Creek Elementary followed by Ashe County High School, before concluding his full-time career as Assistant Superintendent of Ashe County Schools, retiring in 2016.

Retirement, however, didn’t keep him away from the classroom. Pops returned as a substitute teacher for the past nine years, continuing to share his deep commitment to education and mentorship. Over the course of 38 years in education, he devoted himself to guiding young people, instilling life lessons through teaching, coaching, and encouragement.

Above all, Pops cherished his beloved wife, Evelyn, of 42 years. Together, they enjoyed beach vacations, where fishing and shopping were favorite pastimes. His greatest joy came from his grandchildren—watching their games, sharing stories that carried valuable lessons, and helping with their schoolwork.

Mr. Howell is survived by: his wife, Evelyn Snyder Howell, one son, B. Phil Howell and wife Amanda of Jefferson, one daughter, Angie Holman and husband, Rex of Millers Creek; also surviving are four grandchildren, Emma Howell, Norah Howell, Adaline Howell and Dylan Holman.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Joey McClure. The family will receive friends following the service, after which a graveside will be conducted in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens. 

The family requests no flowers please. Memorials may be made to the Phil Howell Memorial Scholarship, c/o Ashe County Advantage, P.O. Box 31, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

As Pops would always say when parting ways: “See ya later, bye.”