Rickie Bryson Howell of Goodlettsville, Tennessee

February 15, 1951 - July 29, 2021

Rickie Bryson Howell, age 70 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on July 29, 2021 at the VA hospital in Nashville.  He was born on February 15, 1951 at ECM Hospital in Florence, Alabama to Bervin Fred Howell and Betty Jean Bryson Howell who preceded him in death.

Rick served our country in the Navy during the Vietnam era and after returning home lived a very diverse life of employment from the rodeo circuit to his BarBQue passion with his smoker sidekick “Big Bertha”.  He could be seen anywhere from Oklahoma to Florida and many points in between in his big Dodge truck with Bertha in tow.  He pursued his love for cooking opening his cowboy cooking chuck wagon establishment in Katie, Oklahoma.  Nashville was his next adventure working security for many country artists and events, the Wild Horse Saloon and most recently Whiskey Bent Saloon.

Rick (Big Rick, as he was known to many) was a very memorable guy, as his family heard from many of his friends from California to the East Coast and all parts in between, how his life touched them especially during times of need.

Rick never met a stranger and greeted everyone with his “Hello Sunshine” or his famous train whistle.  All were amazed by his train whistle especially children. He was easily recognized by his Alabama attire and Alabama football was one of his loves (he always left with a “Roll Tide!”).  Rick loved dogs and had many but his dog Duke was his favorite.

Rick is survived by his sister Dolores Howell Detino (Alex), his nephew Danny Detino, several cousins and so many loving friends.

A celebration of life in Katie, Oklahoma will be announced at a later date.