William (Bill) Smith Howell

Bill was born in Wayne County, NC, on September 21, 1929. He graduated from Goldsboro High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from North Carolina State University in 1951.

Thanks to his lifelong love of farming and his talent for the work, Bill served the greater Cape Fear region as the New Hanover County Extension Agent during the 1960s, and worked for Wilmington Fertilizer Company for nearly three decades. In addition to his employment in agriculture, gardening was one of Bill’s joys, one he shared selflessly and widely among hundreds in and around Wilmington throughout the years. “You’ve got to try this sweet potato,” said with a broad and knowing smile, was a sure sign that Bill had something delicious to share – and any recipient of his produce was sure to love every bite. As a founding member and president of the North Carolina Camellia Society and a charter member of the Tidewater Men’s Garden Club, Bill also brought beauty to many through his love of camellias.

Bill is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Mary Gray Hollowell Howell; a sister, Nancy Graham, of Mt. Ulla, NC; three children, Susan Coleman, of Kelly, NC, Molly Caroline Howell, of Holly Springs, NC and William Thomas Howell, of Overland Park, KS; and two grandchildren, Andrew and Allie Kinateder, both of Holly Springs, NC and numerous nephews and nieces.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, Oscar Jarman and Maude Sally Scott Howell, sister Grace Lee, brothers Oscar Jarman (O.J.) and Admiral Griffith, and two sons, William Michael and William Scott.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 1:00 pm Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 S. College Road in Wilmington. A private burial will be held for the family.

Floral arrangements may be sent to Andrews Mortuary in Wilmington, or in lieu of flowers a monetary donation can be made to any Alzheimer’s Association. The family wish to thank the staff of Heartfields Assisted Living Facility in Cary, NC for their years of compassionate service and care for their father.

Condolences may be left at www.andrewsmortuary.com