William Harrison “Billy” Howell, Sr., 65, of Fannett, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at the home of his son in Galveston, Texas. He was born on February 6, 1948, in Beaumont, to the late Bill and Olive Howell.
He was a lifelong resident of Beaumont and Fannett. After graduating from Forest Park High School, he attended Sam Houston State University, where he played shortstop for their baseball team. Billy then joined the Texas National Guard and served his country for six years. He had to be pushed from the airplane with his parachute on his back, but he always landed on his feet with a smile on his face. For over forty years, Billy worked in the valve supply business for Gulf Supply Company and Sun Belt Supply. He was also the owner and operator of Industrial Metals.
Billy, also known as “Buck”, was described as an athlete who could run like the wind at a track meet, throw a perfect spiral as quarterback in football, lay out his glove to stop a blistering line drive, and drive a golf ball straight as an arrow down the fairway. He was little in stature but mighty in talent. But above all, his greatest joy was hunting and fishing with his sons. It didn’t matter if they were in Costa Rica trying to catch the “big one” or fishing in Galveston Bay during the flounder run, his love of the outdoors was contagious if you were with him. Billy was an original charter member of the Laid Back Bass Tournament (LBBT) for over thirty years. With a Miller Lite in hand, he never met a fish he couldn’t reel in while shouting, “Get the net”!
He is survived by his sons, William Harrison Howell, Jr. of Galveston and Stoney Howell of Houston; siblings: brother, Mike Howell of Beaumont; sister, Paula Young and her husband, Norman, of Seabrook; brother, Dan Howell and his wife, Mary; and sister, Joy Swanson and her husband, Cookie, all of Durango, Colorado; and eight nieces and nephews.
Billy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Paula, in 2006.
A gathering of Billy’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 22, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 23, 2013, at Broussard’s. His committal was held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made in Billy’s name to MD Anderson Cancer Center, c/o Patient Account #946131, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210.
