William Lee Howell

Jacksonville, FL – William “Lee” Howell, 83, of Jacksonville passed away Thursday evening (November 16, 2023) at Baptist Medical Center of the Beaches in Jacksonville Beach after an extended illness.

Born in Tallahassee, FL his parents were William Pete Howell and Virginia Marie Huff Howell. He is also preceded in death by the love  of his life , who he was married to for 56 years, JoAnn Herrin Howell; and a brother, Wallace “Wally” Howell.

Lee was a carpenter and served a brief stint in the United States Army. He was a member of Cedar Bay Baptist Church in Jacksonville and loved woodworking of all kinds. Lee was an excellent builder who could build or restore anything. He had a heart of gold and enjoyed going to yard sales, thrift shops, cooking and baking.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, William “Dale” Howell (Rena) of St. Augustine, FL; 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Rhonda Geoghagan (Gary)  and Sheila Widener (Eddie) all of Jacksonville, FL and Shelly Hyers (Robert) of Hortense;  10 grandchildren, Tessa Geoghagan, Trace Geoghagan, Caleb Geoghagan, Barry Widener (Pam), Samantha Hobbs (James), Travis Russell, Jr. (Melissa), William Trevor Russell (Sarah), Sarah Griffis (John), Laurel Howell and Lily Howell; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Eddie Howell of Jacksonville; brother-in-law, Jerry Herrin of Jacksonville; and also several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Wednesday (November 22, 2023) starting at 1pm at Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday afternoon (November 22, 2023) at 2pm at the chapel of Frye Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Herrin officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Barry Widener, Trevor Russell, Caleb Geoghagan, Baylon Russell, Travis Russell, III and Levi Russell, Cameron Griffis and Dale Murphy.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.