Ulysses “Coach” Howell ~ April 16, 1950 – MAY 12, 2019 (age 69)

Ulysses Leroy Howell, son of Cleveland and Nora Sims Howell, was born April  16, 1950, in Brandon, Mississippi. He grew up, went to school and church in the Brandon (Rose Hill, Mississippi) area. After high school, Ulysses went on to graduated from Mississippi Valley State University and the University of Mississippi. 

Ulysses married the love of his life, Frances Fletcher and they became the parents of two wonderful children. In 1972, the couple moved to Oxford when he was hired as a coach (he became known as Coach Howell) and social studies teacher for Oxford City School. He retired as assistant principal after 37 years of service. He was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a chairman of the deacon board and remained a member there until his untimely demise. He was a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and, served as Ward 4 Alderman for the city of Oxford for 26 years, making him the longest serving alderman on the board. He was also Mayor Pro-Tem for the city of Oxford, making him second in command. 

Coach loved his wife and children. He spoiled his grandchildren and he loved his vehicles. You could often find him outside beautifying his lawn or just working on something. He enjoyed being busy. But on Saturday evening, May 11, 2019, in Baptist East Hospital, Memphis Tennessee, His Lord said, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of thy Lord. Matt. 25:21  (Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28) Rest on Coach Howell.

Coach will be forever loved and remember by his wife: Frances Howell; his children: Kesha (Brandon) Adkinson and Tarek Howell; his grandchildren: Ansley, Addison Howell, and Kingston Adkinson; his sisters: Birda Howell and Velma (Frank) Brinkley; brothers: Willie Morris Howell and Cleveland Howell, Jr., and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11 am at the
Tallahatchie-Oxford Missionary Baptist Association, Building, 20 Highway 334, Oxford, Mississippi 38655. Burial will follow at the Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

Following the funeral service, the funeral procession for Coach Howell will be lead by Oxford Police Department from the T.O.M.B. on Hwy 334 to west on University Avenue, to north on South Lamar toward the square. His body will be taken around the square and then proceed west on Jackson Avenue to MLKJ to right on Price and proceed to Oxford Memorial Cemetery.