William E. Howard III

Mr. William E Howard III, beloved partner of Michael L. Laughlin and a long time resident of Aiken, S.C. passed away at his home after a brief illness on Wednesday December 21, 2016. He was 55. William was born and grew up in Ipswich, MA where he began a life long love of horses from an early age. When still a teenager, William traveled alone to England to ride with members of the royal family, at their invitation. Subsequently, he returned to the states, where he rode competitively, while teaching many students and training horses, which became his life long passion-at which he excelled. At Mill Race Farm, William established a stable known for its outstanding standards and care . He was loved and respected by all those who were fortunate to call him a mentor and a friend. He is survived by his partner of many years, Michael Laughlin, his sister Jennifer Phillips and her husband Jonathan Phillips and his sister Lisa Guertner, all of Ipswich Massachusetts; his nieces Madison Phillips and Jessica DeVries and her husband John and a nephew, Jeremy Guertner and his partner Jillian Lukegord. He is also survived by a god daughter, Caroline Walcott of Aiken. William was predeceased by his parents William and Nancy Howard.