Walter was born May 11, 1944 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Clara and Walter Howell, Sr. He graduated as valedictorian from Clarksdale High School, where he played football and played saxophone in the band. Walter graduated from Rhodes College (Southwestern) majoring in economics, where he directed the Pep Band and was president of ODK. While at Rhodes, Walter met Nancy, his wife of 54 years. He received his MBA from the Darden School of the University of Virginia. Returning to Memphis, Walter worked for National Bank of Commerce for 27 years, where he retired as the Chief Financial Officer. Afterwards, he and his wife briefly ran a small business before retiring again in 2000.
Walter and Nancy's shared loved of classical music led them to build a summer home in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, where they immersed themselves in Tanglewood and the many artistic venues of that area, for the next 20 years. Walter and Nancy loved to travel, and together, explored many parts of the world. Walter was an avid supporter of the arts in Memphis, serving on the boards of Opera Memphis, Concerts International, and the Memphis Youth Symphony and was a reliable presence at local musical events. He was an active member of Shady Grove Presbyterian Church, where he taught Sunday school and served as an Elder.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; two sons, Walter Howell, III (Jennifer) and Lowry Howell (Laura); sister, Ann Howell (Denise); and three grandchildren, Hannah Grace Howell, Emmett Howell, and Rhys Howell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara and Walter Howell, Sr. Walter was a doting grandfather and loved his grandchildren immensely.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 6 at 2:00 PM, at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be directed to Shady Grove Presbyterian Church, the Hospitality Hub, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Howell family.
