"Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another." - Ernest Hemingway
The life of John W. "Billy" Howell, 78, of Stewart ended on November 5, 2017, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Eupora, after a lengthy battle with blood platelet deficiency.
He lived and died in much the same way...he fought hard until the end for all that he believed in, and he never lost sight of the good that was to come in all situations. He was a member of Kilmichael Methodist Church, an avid Mississippi State Bulldog fan and Bulldog Club member, and a past ambassador of the Board of Directors for the Bank of Kilmichael.
He served in the Mississippi Army National Guard and was a successful business owner and trucker who lived well, laughed often, and loved much; he gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; he filled his niche and accomplished his task; he left the world better than he found it; he never lacked appreciation for earth's beauty or failed to express it; he looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
Mr. Howell passed from this life leaving behind his friend, partner, and wife of 59 years, Brenda Howell. In addition, he leaves behind a son, Greg Howell (Sharon) of Jackson; and a daughter, Robin Cummings (Billy Ray) of Kilmichael. He was known as PaPaw to four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and many others who called him PaPaw Billy, too. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Bobby Howell, Ricky Howell, Mike Howell, Randy Howell, Lynette Peeples, and Paula Alford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. B. "Bernard" and Mary Lynn Howell; a son, Phillip Mark Howell; and a brother, James Raymond "Jimmy" Howell.
A celebration of Mr. Howell's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in the Kilmichael Friendship Cemetery in Kilmichael. Dr. David Sartin and Bro. Terry Wills will officiate the services. Visitation was held at Oliver Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8; and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday.
Pallbearers will be those who knew him best as Papaw Billy: Chad Howell, Clay Cummings, Chance Cummings, Colton Jenkins, Tilor Chapman, Christofer Chapman, Aidan Chapman, Christal Chapman, and Chloe Kate Cummings.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kilmichael Friendship Cemetery, P. O. Box 213, Kilmichael, MS 39747; or Dr. L. C. Henson Scholarship Fund, c/o Holmes Community College Development Foundation, Inc., P. O. Box 527, Goodman, MS 39079.
An online guestbook is available at www.ofhwinona.com.
