Raymond Andrew Howie, age 97, of White Owl,SD peacefully passed away on March 29th 2026. He lived a long and beautiful life and was deeply loved by so many. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather whose heart of gold touched all who knew him and the love he gave to his family will be carried for generations.

He was born on July 29, 1928, in Sturgis, South Dakota, to George and Martha Howie. He grew up with his siblings George Allen, Glen, Kelly, Ida, Oren, Holly, Roland, Ethel, and Fred. He attended school in New Underwood through the 8th grade and part of 9th grade, but after coming home during a winter storm, he never went back. Even so, life itself became his teacher, and he learned the values that mattered most: hard work, loyalty, humility, and love for family.

In 1946, he met the love of his life, Georgia Ann Moravec, at the Days of ’76, and from that moment on, his heart was hers. They were married on September 18, 1948, and shared 59 years of marriage together. He loved Georgia deeply ,and everyone who knew them could see the strength of their bond. Their love story was one of devotion, partnership, and a lifetime of shared memories.

Over the course of his life, he worked as a ranch hand, the Homestake Gold Mine, the Mill in Whitewood, and in construction. But ranching was the work he loved most. It was where he belonged, doing the kind of work that matched the strength of his hands and the character of his heart.

More than anything, he loved his family. He was a proud father to Vernon (Tresa) Howie, Ronald (Kerry) Howie, and Michael (Linda) Howie. He was also a cherished grandfather to Cody (Ray), Amber, Robby, Nathan, Melinda (Jason), Amanda (Lex), Tony, Trent, and Tanna (Vince). His family continued to grow through 16 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren, each one a part of the legacy he leaves behind. He had a close bond to his extended family including his sister in laws; Shirley Howie, Jinger (Mel) Stuckey, and Mickey McChesney.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Martha; his beloved wife, Georgia Ann; his brothers and sisters; his in-laws; his son, Andy; and his grandsons, Tony and Trent.

He will be remembered for his gentle strength, his deep love for his wife and family, and the steady, hardworking life he lived. He was the kind of man who made people feel loved, welcomed, and cared for and did not need to say much for people to know they were loved. His life was a gift to all who knew him, and his memory will forever live in the hearts of those he leaves behind.