Dr. James Howard Teel

Dr. James "Howard" Teel, 94, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Louisville, KY.

Howard was born on December 1, 1930 to the late Thomas Green and Vivian James Teel. He was raised in Elmore County, AL, where he graduated from Tallassee High School and was a member of the 4-H Club. He attended Auburn University and earned a bachelor’s degree from Howard College (now Samford University), an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in international health from the University of Louisville. 

Howard dedicated his life to helping others. Throughout his career in international public health and social ministries, he lived around the world including Louisville; Bangladesh; Haiti; Washington, DC; India; Nigeria; and Kuwait. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church. Howard will be remembered for his gentle spirt, his sense of humor, and his love for the Auburn Tigers and the Louisville Cardinals. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Clara "Maxine" Teel; his brother Edison; and his son David. 

Howard is survived by his four children, Becky Teel, Kathy Zimmerman (Mike), Marcia Daoud (Edward), and Steve Teel; his four grandchildren, Chelsea, Matt (Amanda), Tim, and Mark; and his great-granddaughter, Allison. He is also survived by his sister, Shelby Hamilton; and brother, Randal (Dodie) Teel; and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 10am to 11am on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Highland Baptist Church, 1101 Cherokee Rd, Louisville, KY 40204.  A celebration of Howard's life will be there at 11am.  

An additional celebration of Howard's life will be held at Linville Funeral Home, 84632 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic, AL 36024 with visitation at 9am and funeral service at 10am on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.  Burial will follow in Bethlehem East Baptist Church Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to Highland Baptist Church or Hosparus Health.

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