WILLIAM WAYNE HOWELL
Oct. 3, 1926-June 14, 2016
Mr. William Wayne Howell, 89, Snow Hill, died Tuesday, June 14, 2016.
Born Oct. 3, 1926, to the late Turner and Carrie Radford Howell, he was a member of the “greatest generation.”
He grew up on a tobacco farm, where he learned the value of hard work and taking care of family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Doris Taylor Howell; the mother of his children; and his brothers, Glannis Howell and Malcolm Howell.
Mr. Howell is survived by his son, Chris Howell and friend, Peggy Phillips, of Hookerton, and daughter, Darlene Messerli and husband, Charles, of Greenville.
He also leaves to cherish his memory one granddaughter, Crissy Smith and husband, Carr; two precious great-grandchildren, William and Maggie; and five sweet great-grandchildren born of his heart, Aubrey Mayberry, Owen Mayberry, Lily Messerli, Matthew Smith and Raeanna Edwards.
He leaves his dearly loved sister, Wilma Oakes, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is also survived by a large extended family he was blessed to love and be loved by through his marriage to Elizabeth Blizzard Howell, who also predeceased him.
Mr. Howell was a graduate of Snow Hill High School, a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served as seaman 1st class on the USS Little Rock, and a member of Free Gospel Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church.
A farmer by choice and by nature, he retired later in life from Crouse-Hines in LaGrange.
He enjoyed working in the yard, reading two newspapers each day, watching the Yankees win, talking with friends at Bojangles, studying family genealogy and smoking a good cigar.
The family would also like to acknowledge Mrs. Valeria Hart Smith and the late Mrs. Geraldine Letchworth, both of whom spent many hours reminiscing, sharing stories and enjoying company with Mr. Howell. It is a comfort knowing he was loved by so many.
Additionally, the family would like to thank Dr. George West, Dr. Gary Heck, Dr. Peter Watson, Dr. Robert Gallaher, Dr. David Frazier, Dr. Jerry Simpson and Dr. Edward Paul for their dedicated and excellent care through the years.
Mr. Howell was quick to credit his doctors and “the good Lord” for his longevity, always adding, “I’m ready to go … I just don’t want to go today.”
Funeral services celebrating his life will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at the chapel of Taylor-Tyson Funeral Service, with pastor Michael Parks officiating. Committal services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 17, at Snow Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service Thursday and other times at the Howell residence.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Free Gospel Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, 145 Free Gospel Road, Snow Hill, N.C., 28580.
Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.taylor-tyson.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on June 16, 2016 1:49 PM