William Earl Howell

Mr. Howell was born August 25, 1923, to Fred and Bertha Howell of Wilmer, AL. He was a U.S. Army Combat veteran who served in Belgium, Germany, Italy, and North Africa during World War II. After his discharge from the Army, Mr. Howell continued his Civil Service career at Brookley Field until his retirement. He then moved with his wife Oneta to Gulf Shores, AL where they enjoyed living at their "Shack by the Sea." Bill had the privilege of going on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in May, 2010, along with many of his fellow World War II veterans. Although that trip stirred up many memories, Bill felt honored to be able to stand at Arlington National Cemetery and hear the playing of Taps in remembrance of his fallen comrades.

Mr. Howell was preceded in death by the love of his life, Oneta Lane Howell, four brothers, and three sisters.

He is survived by three children and their spouses, Carolyn Howell (Ronnie) Terrell, Timothy M. (Barbara) Howell and William R. (DeeAnn) Howell; six grandchildren, Cathy Kuehn, Cindy Terrell, Ron Terrell, Monica Butts, Crystal Belallah, and Amber Howell; ten great-grandchildren, Christina and Rebecca Kuehn, Dow and Cecelia Terrell, Lincoln and Philip Butts, MacKenzie Howell, Ramy and Yassine Belallah, and Kaden Sossaman; one sister, Barbara Smith, and his dear friends at Atria.

Graveside services and interment will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. in Mobile Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be Friday, May 13, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Atria for their love and care of our dad. Condolences may be offered at

www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.