Howell Lange Winfree III

Howell Lange Winfree III

October 6, 1958 » March 8, 2026

Howell Lange Winfree III was born on October 6, 1958, in Tallahassee, Florida to Howell Lange Winfree II and Nancy Jean Reichenbacher Winfree. Howell passed away on March 8, 2026. He graduated from Vanguard High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Florida State University. He continued his education with 16 seminar hours in Adult Education at the University of Central Florida.

Howell began his career as the youngest Field Sports Director at Boy Scouts of America Camp Shands in Hawthorne, Florida, where he taught archery to fellow Scouts and directed activities for volunteer military personnel from NAS Jacksonville who operated the rifle range. Howell was successful in becoming part of only six perfect of all Boy Scouts of America, to become an Eagle Scout. He later pursued one of his lifelong passions in the food industry, working with Burger Chef, Yum Yum Donuts, McDonald's, and Quincy's Family Steakhouse. He went on to serve as Chief of Bureau of Food Service for the Department of Corrections and later as a Director with Aramark before retiring. Never one to stay idle, Howell returned to work toward the end of his career as a school bus driver for Marion County Public Schools.

In his leisure time, Howell was always an adventurer. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle as a member of the BMW Motorcycle Club, spending time at the shooting range, and gathering with his correctional facility friends – affectionately known as the "Old Timers' Club." A devoted family man, he loved camping in all forms – whether tent camping, RV trips, or traveling with a pull-behind camper – as well as hiking and swimming in Florida's local springs. He was an avid reader and enjoyed watching television series such as Game of Thrones and, more recently, Yellowstone.

Howell had an exceptionally big heart and deep love for both people and animals. He was known for being fair, standing firmly in his beliefs and advocating for others, especially those who could not stand up for themselves.

Howell is survived by his mother, Nancy Jean Reichenbacher Winfree; his wife Donna Winfree; his brother Ross Winfree (Glenda); his mother-in-law, Josephine Sadler; his brother-in-law, Ron Sadler (Carrie); his children, H.L. Winfree IV, Travis Winfree, Sarah Costello, and Ben Manthe; his niece Ashley Winfree; and his nephew Matthew Winfree. He was preceded in death by his father Howell L. Winfree II, and his younger sister Stacey Smith. He also leaves behind many beloved friends and extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 28, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church in Howell's memory.