William L. Howell, Milton Junior High School principal

William Lee “Bill” Howell, 87, of Kitty Hawk, N.C., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center in Virginia. Bill was born April 5, 1938, in Washington D.C., and grew up in Rich Square, N.C. He was the son of the late Ralph S. Howell and Lois Leake Howell.

Bill earned his master’s degree from East Carolina University and dedicated 34 years to education, beginning as a teacher in Murfreesboro, N.C., and then serving for three decades as a principal in Milton. He was an avid competitor and skilled tennis player, winning numerous tournaments over the years to include the North Carolina and National Senior Games. His love for tennis was equaled only by his fondness for North Carolina’s Outer Banks and his sense of adventure, which led him to travel to over a dozen countries to include multiple visits to his personal favorite, Australia.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Linda Powell Howell (2014), and by his son, Mike Howell (2019).

The memory of Bill’s quick wit and one-of-a-kind personality will be cherished by his son, Jeff Howell (Ada); daughter, Lynn Rowell (Kevin); grandchildren, Brandon, Zach, Hunter (Madison), Ellie and Eryn; great-grandchildren, Brady, Weston and Ford; his sister, Gail Glover, and her children Don and Heather; and his sister-in-law, Jean Bryant.

The family would like to express special thanks to Bill’s longtime friends, neighbors, and the team at Spring Arbor Assisted Living in Kill Devil Hills, N.C., for their kindness and care in supporting him during his battle with dementia.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 1:45 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Rich Square, N.C., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. in the chapel. The family will have a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Outer Banks Tennis Association, P.O. Box 1665, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, tmcfunding.com/funds/outer-banks-tennis-association-in-loving-memory-of-bill-howell/15340; or Outer Banks Dementia Friendly Coalition, P.O. Box 752, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, tmcfunding.com/funds/outer-banks-dementia-friendly-coalition-in-loving-memory-of-bill-howell/15341.

Arrangements are under the care of Garrett‑Sykes Funeral Service, Rich Square Chapel.

Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting garrettsykesfs.com.