William Herman Howell Jr, of Howells Corner, Franklin, VA departed his earthly home on October 13,2012 at age 92. He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Helen Rose Howell, sons William H. Howell III (Jackie) of Franklin, John F. Howell (Wendy) of Honolulu, and daughter, Janet R. Howell of Richmond. He is also survived by four grandchildren: William Stewart Howell (Jackie), Susan Howell Suiter (Ghi),
John Michael Howell, Samantha Mae Ling Howell and four great-grandchildren: Robert and Jackson
Howell, Emily and Madison Suiter. He is pre-deceased by his infant son, Carson Lee Howell, parents
William H. Howell Sr. and Etta Johnson Howell, half-brother Robert Cobb Howell and step-mother Carrie Cobb Howell.
After graduating from Franklin High School, William attended VA Tech where he studied Agricultural
Engineering and then returned to Southampton County where he pursued his love of farming.
Helen and William were married December 6, 1942 and awakened the next day to find that Pearl Harbor
had been bombed. William served his country during WW II as a Tech Sergeant in Louisiana and
Liverpool, England with the 685thNon-combat Engineers.
After the death of his mother during the flu epidemic of 1920, William, who was only four months old, was reared by his grand-parents, William Fletcher Howell and Geneva Holland Howell and aunts and uncles. He was an active member of Franklin Baptist Church where he served the Lord as a deacon, a member of the Bruner Bible class, and many other positions of leadership. He was a quiet man who gave to those
less fortunate without wanting or expecting recognition.
In the community he was a charter member of the Forks of the River Ruritan Club, served two terms on
the Southampton County School Board, and served as a director on the local advisory board of what is now Sun Trust Bank. He also served on the board of directors of Dixie Guano Company and the local Southern States Co-Operative. William and his wife, Helen, were a part of the founding group for the Southampton Agricultural Museum &Heritage Village where they gave untold hours of service to the museum, with William serving over ten years as Chairman of the museum. Under his direction, a number of structures were added to the museum grounds. They still found time for themselves and loved to travel with family and
friends. A memorial service will be conducted by Rev. Brent Kimlick and Rev. Sharon James in the sanctuary at Franklin Baptist Church on Friday, October 19, 2012 at 2 pm. After the service, the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall for visitation and a celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franklin Baptist Church Capital Fund (208 N High St,
Franklin, VA 23851) or Southampton Agricultural Museum & Heritage Village (c/o Jimmy O'Berry, 724
Chaucer Ct, Franklin, VA 23851).