Mr. Julian Franklin (Jay) Howell Jr., age 80 of Dodson, LA passed away July 19, 2026 at Autumn Leaves Nursing Home. He was member of Full Gospel Temple in Jonesboro and was a retired dispatcher for Bell Trucking where he worked for many years. Jay was the son of the late Julian Franklin Howell and Rebecca Deese Howell. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Janice Howell, son Bryan Lasyone, sisters

Patricia Jacobs and Freida Brown and great-grandson Lincoln Brister. Those left to cherish his memory include his sons Patrick Howell (Kourtney) of Atlanta, Terry Howell (Melissa) of Danville, Shannon Lasyone (Amber) of Alvin, TX, daughter Debbie Melton of Dodson, and daughter-in-law Margaret Lasyone of Weston. Jay also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Brieanna Howell, Peyton Howell, Chris Kennedy, Jamie Brister, Amanda Parks, Kelli Melton, Cody Melton, Katie Boyett, Sean Lasyone, Colby Lasyone and Dustin Lasyone as well as 12 great-grandchildren and siblings: Willie Howell, Robert Howell, Mary Oliver, Jenny Vines, Gloria Harkins and Bert Howell as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Southern Funeral Home on July 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm. with Bro. David Wilson and Bro. Author Robinson officiating. Interment will follow at Cypress Creek Cemetery in Dodson, LA.

Friends visited with the family in the funeral home on Tuesday, July 21st from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and can again on Wednesday, July 22nd from 12:00 until 2:00 pm.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Kevin Howell, Larry Howell, Chad Harkins, Marshal Brown, Bert Howell Jr., and Willie Howell, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Leroy James, Shelby Bonnette, Toby Gorham and Chad Bowen.

The family extends a special thank you to Nadia Starks and Autumn Leaves Nursing Home, Hand-In-Hand Hospice and Dr. Mark Shelton for their care of Jay during his illness.