William Penn "Willie" Howell III

PHELPS - William "Willie" Penn Howell, III, 74, of Franklinville, NC passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Jacob's Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Madison.

Willie was born August 7, 1951 in Canandaigua, N.Y. to Yolanda (Ricciotti) and William Penn Howell, Jr. He grew up in Phelps, N.Y., where he was a member of the first graduating class of Midlakes High School, where he was captain of the wrestling team. After graduation, Will worked with his father at Elderlee in Oaks Corners, N.Y., before moving to Asheboro, NC in 1972. Willie was a master carpenter at Hatteras Yachts for many years, he then went on to work at Timken Co. in Randleman, NC.

Willie was a true outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, camp, and ride motorcycles. He enjoyed watching Westerns, could whistle like a bird, and could whittle any piece of wood into a work of art. Willie was a man of faith, and a longtime member of Whites Memorial Baptist Church in Franklinville, NC, where services will be held. Will was a sweetheart of a man and will be missed dearly by all.

Willie is survived by his wife of 26 years, Karen Haithcock Howell of Franklinville, NC; his sons John (Devin) Howell and Joshua (Mandy) Howell of Asheboro, NC; stepson Joseph (Amanda) Hinshaw of Augier, NC; stepmother Eleanor Howell of Geneva, N.Y.; sisters Diane Littlefield of Greensboro, NC and Sue Ellen (David) Rey of Geneva, N.Y.; brother Robert Howell of Geneva, N.Y.; stepsister Elizabeth Flaherty of Geneva, N.Y.; stepbrothers William (Linda) Rose of Leland, NC and Robert (Barb) Rose of Geneva, N.Y.; adopted sister Melinda Howell of Geneva, N.Y.; grandchildren Liam, Grayson, Finley, Zoe, Colton and Delaney; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Willie was preceded in death by his mother, Yolanda Ricciotti Howell; father William Penn Howell, Jr.; stepbrother Paul Rose; adopted sister Tanya Howell; sister-in-law Bonnie Howell; and brother-in-law Mike Flaherty.

Please consider making memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.