The Reverend Dr. Raymond Jordan Howe

July 28, 1939 - August 06, 2025

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Obituaries

The Reverend Dr. Raymond Jordan Howe

The Reverend Dr. Raymond Jordan Howe, Episcopal priest, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born in Dedham, Massachusetts, on July 28, 1939, Raymond was the son of the late Norman and Rosaleen Howe. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence Howe. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Beverly Ann Nugent Howe; his children, Jeffrey Howe of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and Rebecca Paull of the Bay Area, California; and his three cherished grandchildren: Abigail, Jordan, and Lilly. He also leaves behind his brother Arthur Howe of Pocasset, Massachusetts, and sister Marcia Morin of Norwood, Massachusetts, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

A lifelong learner and committed scholar, Raymond was a graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, and the Virginia Theological Seminary. His call to ministry was marked by deep compassion, wisdom, and a profound sense of service. Over the course of his ministry, he served at Christ Church in Quincy, MA; and was rector at Church of Our Savior in Arlington, MA; St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Tunkhannock, PA; and St. Philip’s in Easthampton, MA.

Raymond will be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit, and his tireless devotion to his congregations and community. He was a calm and compassionate presence in the lives of those he served in times of joy and sorrow, and his legacy of kindness, wisdom, and steadfast faith will be remembered by all who knew him.

A service celebrating his life and ministry will be held at The Church of the Holy Family, 200 Hayes Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27517, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Episcopal Relief & Development:815 Second St New York NY 10017. Or the Charity of your choice.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord."
— Matthew 25:23

Services

12 Aug

Celebration of Life Service

01:00 PM

Church of the Holy Family 200 Hayes Rd Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517 Get Directions »
Obituaries
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  • August 12, 2025

    "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7 Rev. Dr. Raymond Howe devoted more than 60 years of his life to ministry, touching countless lives with his wisdom, compassion, and steadfast faith. A devoted husband and father, he led by quiet example—serving others with humility, guiding with insight, and loving without condition. Though his calling was the church, his influence reached far beyond the pulpit. He married couples, counseled the weary, celebrated life's milestones, and offered comfort in times of sorrow. Those blessed to know him—whether for a lifetime or a few cherished years—were inspired by his kindness, his deep understanding, and his unwavering commitment to God's work. His life was a testament to service, faith, and love. And now, as he rests in the presence of the Lord, we celebrate the extraordinary journey of a man who truly kept the faith. Rest in Gods hands uncle Ray Love Arthur & Khanhi and family

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    August 10, 2025

    Hi my name is Kelly Spencer, Father Howe used to be our priest at Saint Peters in Tunkhannock. He was always very kind and easy to talk to. People always said he was as comfortable as an old shoe.

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    August 10, 2025

    Dear Beverly and family: We were saddened to hear of Ray's passing. He was clearly one of the best to touch our lives. I still remember the day I found him standing at my door with banana bread to tell me about St. Peter's Church, and invite me into the congregation. He was a force for all that is good. We wish you peace. Elaine and Paul Tweedy

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    August 09, 2025

    Ray was my closest friend when I was growing up. He came over to my house. He opened the door for me. I remember playing Canasta and going together to many Celtic Games at the old Boston Garden. I am very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I also remember Rebecca warmly welcoming me when I visited her. (I believe that was in Hingham.) My thoughts and prayers are with Beverly Ann, Arthur, Marcia, and the entire Family. Steve Brody

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    August 09, 2025

    He is one of many silver-linings in my life and am forever grateful for his gentle presence, compassion, guidance, and wisdom.

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    August 07, 2025

    Dear Beverly and family, Farher Ray will always be in our hearts. He has served our families thru birth, baptisms, marriage and death and everything in between. Rest in peace. Ken and MaryAnn (Jones)Robertson and family

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    August 07, 2025

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    August 07, 2025

    My heartfelt prayers to the Howe family. I knew Rev. Howe from St. Peters Tunkhannock, PA. He helped me through trying times. Illnesses, my mother's death and encouraged me to open my heart to the Lord. I attended Thursday Healing Servuces and Bible Study with the Reverend. You'll always be in my heart as my savior. May you RIP ✝️🙏🙏🙏✝️

  • August 07, 2025

    I loved his smile with his calm and gentle spirit. I loved spending part of their honeymoon with Ray and Bev. Most especially I love that he performed my wedding 47 years ago. He was a blessing in my life

  • August 07, 2025

    Dear Beverly and Family, I'm sorry for your loss of Ray. I know he led a Spiritual Life and has left a Beautiful Legacy Behind. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this devastating time.

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