Mr. William Elbert "Buster" Howell
June 10, 1921 — June 20, 2017
Mr. William Elbert "Buster" Howell
William Elbert Howell passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at Beacon Place at the age of 96. Bill is also affectionately known as "Buster" and "Pap".
Bill was born in Ashe County June 10, 1921 in the Mill Creek Community of Todd, NC to Wade and Edith Howell. Upon high school graduation, he enrolled in the Civilian
Conservation Corps and worked in the Nantahala National Forest for 3 years. He then completed a one year business course at Cecil's Business College in Asheville, NC.
Bill went to work for the War Department in Washington, DC for two years before enlisting in the Navy Seabees. He served for three years in Virginia, California and the Pacific theater during World War II. Bill participated in the Battle of Okinawa and was there when the atom bomb was dropped on Japan, ending the war.
After his service, Bill began employment with the Postal Service as a clerk on Railway Postal cars and later on Highway Post Office busses. He then went into the Main Post Office in Greensboro, and was promoted to Manager of Transportation. He retired on December 31, 1974 and was retired longer than he worked.
Bill first joined Bethel Church, which later merged with Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church. Bill was a life member of Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 11533 and the Elk's Lodge # 602.
Bill enjoyed his friends at church and at the Elk's Lodge. He loved the mountains and spending time there, as well as fishing, crossword puzzles, gin rummy and billiards.
Bill leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of almost 75 years, Leona Moseley Howell and two daughters, Cecelia Pelt and Melinda Smith and son-in-law, Tom Smith. The joys of his life were granddaughters, Lauree' Pelt Jolly (Jeff), Lauren Smith Jones (Thomas) and Adelaide Smith Aiken (Tyler). He was pre-deceased by his beloved grandson, John Pelt II. He is also survived by one sister, Venita Taylor, one sister-in-law, Sarah Howell and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by four of his brothers and sisters, Agnes Myers (Noah), Thomas Howell (Polly), Russell Howell and Lucille Triplett (Steve).
Bill's funeral will be held at Zion United Methodist Church in Todd, NC on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Brian Cornell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites. The family will greet visitors one hour before the service at the church.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at 3:00 PM at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC with visitation following in the fellowship hall.
Bill will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to all. His spunk and sense of humor brought joy and laughter to those around him, even to his last days. Bill was famous for telling his jokes and stories. Bill had a kind and gentle soul and everyone always commented on the twinkle in his eye and his sweet smile. Bill adored his wife, children and grandchildren! He was looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild, a precious little girl on December 7, 2017!
Pap received wonderful care for the past two years from Judy Davis, his caregiver. He shared war stories and many visits with a special young friend, Mark Bostic. We also want to thank the caring staff at Beacon Place for loving him so well in his final weeks.
Bill was proud to go on the Flight of Honor in 2011 to Washington, DC with other World War II veterans and he also went to the D-Day Memorial to celebrate the 70th anniversary in 2014. Both were memorable trips for him and the veterans received a hero's welcome upon their return.
Pap has finally received his crown and robe in Heaven!
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either of the following: Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, 2600 Pisgah Church Rd., Greensboro, NC 27445
Hospice & Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summitt Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405
Zion United Methodist Church, 303 Zion Methodist Church Rd., Todd, NC 28684 or
Greensboro Elk's Lodge # 602, for Camp Carefree Fund, 2201 W. Cornwallis Dr., Greensboro, NC 27408.
Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.
Badger Funeral Home was entrusted with Mr. Howell's arrangements.
Bill was born in Ashe County June 10, 1921 in the Mill Creek Community of Todd, NC to Wade and Edith Howell. Upon high school graduation, he enrolled in the Civilian
Conservation Corps and worked in the Nantahala National Forest for 3 years. He then completed a one year business course at Cecil's Business College in Asheville, NC.
Bill went to work for the War Department in Washington, DC for two years before enlisting in the Navy Seabees. He served for three years in Virginia, California and the Pacific theater during World War II. Bill participated in the Battle of Okinawa and was there when the atom bomb was dropped on Japan, ending the war.
After his service, Bill began employment with the Postal Service as a clerk on Railway Postal cars and later on Highway Post Office busses. He then went into the Main Post Office in Greensboro, and was promoted to Manager of Transportation. He retired on December 31, 1974 and was retired longer than he worked.
Bill first joined Bethel Church, which later merged with Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church. Bill was a life member of Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 11533 and the Elk's Lodge # 602.
Bill enjoyed his friends at church and at the Elk's Lodge. He loved the mountains and spending time there, as well as fishing, crossword puzzles, gin rummy and billiards.
Bill leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of almost 75 years, Leona Moseley Howell and two daughters, Cecelia Pelt and Melinda Smith and son-in-law, Tom Smith. The joys of his life were granddaughters, Lauree' Pelt Jolly (Jeff), Lauren Smith Jones (Thomas) and Adelaide Smith Aiken (Tyler). He was pre-deceased by his beloved grandson, John Pelt II. He is also survived by one sister, Venita Taylor, one sister-in-law, Sarah Howell and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by four of his brothers and sisters, Agnes Myers (Noah), Thomas Howell (Polly), Russell Howell and Lucille Triplett (Steve).
Bill's funeral will be held at Zion United Methodist Church in Todd, NC on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Brian Cornell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites. The family will greet visitors one hour before the service at the church.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at 3:00 PM at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC with visitation following in the fellowship hall.
Bill will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to all. His spunk and sense of humor brought joy and laughter to those around him, even to his last days. Bill was famous for telling his jokes and stories. Bill had a kind and gentle soul and everyone always commented on the twinkle in his eye and his sweet smile. Bill adored his wife, children and grandchildren! He was looking forward to the birth of his first great-grandchild, a precious little girl on December 7, 2017!
Pap received wonderful care for the past two years from Judy Davis, his caregiver. He shared war stories and many visits with a special young friend, Mark Bostic. We also want to thank the caring staff at Beacon Place for loving him so well in his final weeks.
Bill was proud to go on the Flight of Honor in 2011 to Washington, DC with other World War II veterans and he also went to the D-Day Memorial to celebrate the 70th anniversary in 2014. Both were memorable trips for him and the veterans received a hero's welcome upon their return.
Pap has finally received his crown and robe in Heaven!
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either of the following: Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, 2600 Pisgah Church Rd., Greensboro, NC 27445
Hospice & Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summitt Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405
Zion United Methodist Church, 303 Zion Methodist Church Rd., Todd, NC 28684 or
Greensboro Elk's Lodge # 602, for Camp Carefree Fund, 2201 W. Cornwallis Dr., Greensboro, NC 27408.
Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.badgerfuneralhome.com.
Badger Funeral Home was entrusted with Mr. Howell's arrangements.
Cemetery Details
Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery
281 Clyde Houck Road
Todd, NC, 28684
Todd, NC, 28684
Visitation
JUN 23. 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Zion Methodist Church
253 Zion Methodist Church Rd.
Todd, NC, US, 28684
Funeral Service
JUN 23. 01:00 PM
Zion Methodist Church
253 Zion Methodist Church Rd.
Todd, NC, US, 28684
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