Billy "Bill" Forrest Howell

Billy Forrest Howell passed away February 23, 2023 in Springdale, Arkansas. “Bill” was born September 3, 1932 in Morrilton, Arkansas. He was the only child of Forrest Admiral Howell and Nola Clayton Howell. On December 17, 1957 he married Charlean Lynch, and they were blessed with over 62 years together. In 1964 their only child, Malcolm, arrived. They loved him without measure. He was their pride and joy. Following his tragic death in 2008 they would face their darkest days, but they did so with grace and fortitude. Their love for each other and hope in the Lord gave them strength for the days, weeks, and years to follow. Ten years later Charlean was diagnosed with cancer, and Bill tenderly cared for her throughout her illness until her passing in 2020. He missed her companionship constantly and more intensely in his last months of life.

Bill was a member of the church of Christ and attended the Robinson Avenue congregation in Springdale. He graduated from Morrilton High School, class of 1951 and attended Harding College in Searcy, AR, majoring in Vocal Music. He was a member of the Harding Chorus led by Dr. Ken Davis. One of his favorite things to do was lead singing for worship services at congregations of churches of Christ. Throat surgery put a stop to that, but his love of congregational singing and choral music never diminished. He was a four year U.S. Navy veteran, spending time on the USS Brinkley Bass and USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. His last two years in the Navy were spent at the USS Reserve Fleet in Philadelphia, PA.

His private business activities included building and operating a bowling lanes and a skating rink in Morrilton for 16 years, building and managing a Road Runner in Searcy, working in construction, and as a maintenance worker at Downtown Church of Christ in Searcy, from which he retired in 2003. He and Charlean then moved to northwest Arkansas to be closer to Malcolm, Stephanie, Katherine, and Emma.

Bill was a devoted, loving husband, father, father-in-law, Granddaddy, and friend. He was committed to his faith and worshiped regularly with his church family at Robinson Avenue. He was proud of his family and loved spending time with them. He enjoyed beekeeping and was a passionate Arkansas Razorback fan, but talking about horses and supporting Malcolm at cutting horse competitions were his favorite pastimes. His love for Katherine and Emma knew no bounds. The joy and delight they brought him started at their birth and never ceased. He attended his granddaughters’ dance recitals, school programs, and birthday parties, never missing the opportunity to support and encourage them in their endeavors. He treated Stephanie like a daughter, with kindness, always having her best interests at heart. He loved keeping in touch with good friends near and far and was especially blessed in recent years by their help and phone calls.

He was predeceased by his wife, Charlean Lynch Howell, and son, Malcolm Forrest Howell. He is survived by daughter-in-law, Stephanie Carter Howell Cochran (and husband, Ross); two granddaughters, Katherine Marie Howell Yates (and husband, Addison) and Emma Forrest Howell Ashburn (and husband, William); many connected to the Carter and Howell families who affectionately referred to him as “Granddaddy”; a niece, Suzanne Sakevicious; a nephew, Dennis Lilley; along with other extended family and many friends.

Memorial gifts can be made to the “Malcolm Howell Memorial Scholarship Fund.” Harding University, Advancement Office, Box 12238, Searcy, AR 72149

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.RollinsFuneral.com for the Howell family.