William Shands Howard, Jr.

William Shands Howard Jr, 85 of Lake Butler, Florida peacefully left for his heavenly home on August 26, 2025 after a brief illness. 

Shands, as he was known by friends and family, was born January 31, 1940 to Williams Shands Howard, Sr. and Opal Baxter Howard. He graduated from Union County High School and entered the US Army in July of 1958, eventually becoming a part of the 82nd Airborne. Following his military service, Shands attended the University of Florida. He completed his degree with a major in Animal Science and a minor in Agricultural Economics in 1965. 

After college Shands began his banking career, and would be employed by several financial institutions over time, including Farmer’s and Dealer’s Bank and Community State Bank. As a banker, he guided many young people through their first loans and helped farmers and small business owners navigate troubled financial times. He shared his wisdom and friendship with many who can testify to the life-changing advice he gave and how they benefited from his knowledge and caring. 

Shands married Barbara Frances Douglas of Gainesville in 1962. Shands and Fran had two children, Shands Douglas and Shantel D’Lynn. In 1975, his love for Union County drew him back to his hometown and Shands and Fran built a home in Lake Butler to farm and raise their children. At age 59 after 37 years full of love and grandchildren, Fran passed away suddenly in 2000. In 2002 he found love again with Lori Mooneyham Clyatt and they were married for 23 years until his death. 

Shands grew up with a deep appreciation for the land and the joys of country living. A lifelong outdoorsman, he found great happiness in hunting and farming. He lived a life rooted in hard work and respect for God’s creation and loved being on a tractor and a deer stand. Always a farmer in his heart, he found success in the timber and cattle business and continued being a farmer until his death. In his words, he “lived on the farm growing timber, cattle and grandkids.” He loved hunting and enjoyed sharing this love with his children and grandchildren and spent many hours in the woods taking in the beauty of nature. He will be remembered for his love for the land and the countless memories made with family and friends around the farm and in the woods. 

Shands love for Union County ran deep and he was actively involved in the community in many ways. He was a member of the Bradford-Union Cattlemen’s Association and over the years assisted and supported many youth in their livestock projects. He was elected and served as a Union County School Board Member from 1986 to 1996. He was a member of the Rotary club for many years. He loved Union County High School sports and was a football season ticket holder and booster club member. 

Shands was an avid Florida Gator fan and held football season tickets for many years and traveled to many away games, making memories on these trips with family and friends. Besides football, he loved all things Gator. 

Shands was an active and faithful member of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church in Lake Butler. He was raised in this church and through his years, he served as Deacon, Sunday School Director, and Church Trustee. His witness and testimony drew many people to the Lord and the legacy of his Christian faith will follow him to eternity. 

Shands especially loved his role as “Poppy” and thrived in sharing time with his grandchildren and being involved in their lives. 

Remaining to cherish Shands memory are his wife Lori his children Shands Douglas Howard (Danielle) and Shantel Howard Nelson (Adam); his step children Lindsay Craft (Jeremy) and Jordan Clyatt (Ashley); his grandchildren Sheyenne, Cole, Teala (Matthew), Shands, Sabrena, Charlotte, Levi and Walter; his sister Barbara Carter (Edward) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Shands was preceded in death by his parents, by his wife, Fran, his sisters Ila Howard Woodington, and Gloria Howard Holmes. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28 from 5:00-7:00 at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church. The funeral service will be held Friday, August 29 at 11:00 at the same location.

Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve the Howard family during this time. 386-496-20058 www.archerfuneralhome.com