Howell W. Cody, 72, of Mars Hill, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Mission Hospital. He was the son of the late Marcus and Mary Ball Cody. He is preceded in death by his adopted son, Patrol Sergeant Andrew Cody, who passed away on December 12, 2008, and his beloved Welsh Corgi, "Lady". Howell survived two heart attacks and a cardiac arrest over the past 24 years. His faith and will to live brought him through many trials.

Howell loved all animals but especially cattle. Over the last 20 years he spent many hours researching and learning about breeds, mostly on-line searches. He didn't hesitate to call breeders anywhere in the US and talk at length about their shared interest in blood lines and genetic traits.

He was known by most as the "Bull Creek Vet'. As he, being the quick learner that he was, learned everything he could about treating injury and disease in livestock. He could be seen watching intently if an animal needed treatment from a licensed veterinarian, learning and asking questions, each step of the way.

Howell was a well-respected tobacco and cattle farmer. Always trying to produce the best quality in whatever he pursued. And

always being a good steward of our precious land and water. Howell was a true patriot and deeply loved his country.

He loved owning and plowing with his mules, each dying on the farm from old age. Even when he didn't have a lot of money, his mules always had some sweet feed, and the wife's scissors somehow ended up at the barn, where the mules got a trim. He talked about the "old ways" a lot. How his father and grandfather taught him to work with horse drawn equipment.

Howell was blessed with many talents, being his own carpenter, electrician, plumber, vet, knife sharpener, fencer, chicken grower, gardener, and an abundance of common sense.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Tipton Cody; brother, Foy Cody; sisters-in-law, Elaine Watson (Ozzie), and Virginia Robb brother-in-law, Parris Tipton (Sherry); and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Howell had many friends that he loved and cherished. Special thanks to Jimmy Huffman, Jerry and Roger Green, and many others. A very special appreciation to Dr. Thohan and the staff at Advanced Cardiac Care Clinic, Mission Hospital, and Dr. F.B. Jones and the staff at Mars Hill Medical Center for their support.

A private graveside service was held at 2pm Sunday, February 23, 2025, in the Old Bull Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Brother Eddie Tipton officiating.

Memorials may be sent to the Old Bull Creek Baptist Church Cemetery fund, PO Box 625, Mars Hill, NC 28754.

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. Amen

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org